The Department of State Services (DSS) has categorically denied reports that Professor Okey Ndibe was arrested or detained at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on June 1, 2026. In a statement, the DSS clarified that the interaction between Ndibe and its operatives was part of an ongoing review of longstanding Watch-List Actions (WLAs), many of which date back several years, including the military era.
Watchlist Audit Ordered by DSS Director-General
Upon assumption of office, the current Director-General of the Service ordered a comprehensive audit of existing watch-list records. The goal is to ensure that Nigerians are not subjected to unnecessary inconvenience or embarrassment arising from outdated security classifications. The exercise is intended to align the Service’s procedures with contemporary standards and international best practices.
As part of this process, individuals whose names appear on the watch list are routinely engaged whenever necessary to facilitate the review, downgrade, or eventual removal of such entries. The objective is to ascertain that their present activities, travel patterns, and engagements no longer correspond with the circumstances that originally warranted their inclusion on the list.
Review Benefiting Numerous Nigerians
The review exercise has benefited numerous Nigerians, including members of the media. A notable example is Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), whose name was removed from the watch list in May 2025 after more than a decade. In the case of Professor Ndibe, records indicate that he was placed on the watch list on January 29, 2013. Following a recent review, the action was downgraded, paving the way for his final delisting.
Consequently, the brief interaction with him at the airport was solely for the purpose of completing the necessary administrative procedures related to that process. The engagement lasted less than one hour, after which Professor Ndibe was cleared and courteously escorted. Significantly, in his own account of the incident, he acknowledged the professionalism, courtesy, and decorum exhibited by the Service personnel.
DSS Commitment to Rule of Law and Human Rights
The DSS remains committed to operating within the bounds of the law while upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens. Under the current leadership, the Service continues to strengthen its adherence to the rule of law, respect for human rights, and best practices in intelligence and security management. Accordingly, the Service encourages individuals who believe they may be affected by a Watch-List Action to contact the DSS National Headquarters for clarification and possible review.
Nonetheless, the ongoing audit and sanitisation of the watch-list system will continue irrespective of whether formal requests are submitted. The Department of State Services remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, professionalism, and national security.
