The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services over her possession of a drone without the required End User Certificate.
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In a statement issued on Saturday, IPI Nigeria Secretary Ahmed Shekarau said Sodiq was released to the Institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, following its intervention.
The journalist was reportedly intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, while preparing to travel with the drone.
Although she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja, she was directed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, July 8, where she was subsequently detained for allegedly possessing the device without the requisite certificate.
Confirming her release, IPI Nigeria President Musikilu Mojeed welcomed the development and commended the DSS for engaging with the organisation and responding to its intervention.
“We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that Ms Sodiq has regained her freedom. We appreciate the DSS for responding to our intervention and for facilitating her release,” Mojeed said.
He acknowledged the responsibility of security agencies to enforce laws and regulations intended to protect national security but stressed that such duties must be carried out with due regard for the constitutional rights of journalists and other citizens.
Mojeed called for continued dialogue and mutual understanding between security agencies and the media to ensure that legitimate national security concerns are addressed without unnecessarily restricting press freedom or preventing journalists from performing their professional duties.
IPI Nigeria also thanked individuals and organisations that expressed concern over Sodiq’s detention and supported efforts to secure her release.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with relevant authorities to protect press freedom while recognising legitimate national security concerns within the framework of the law and respect for fundamental human rights.
IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian affiliate of the International Press Institute, a global network of editors, media executives and journalists operating in more than 100 countries.
The organisation said it would continue to promote independent journalism and advocate for the safety, protection and constitutional rights of journalists in Nigeria.
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