The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied reports that it arrested or detained renowned writer and academic, Okey Ndibe, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on June 1, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the agency said Ndibe was neither arrested nor detained, clarifying that his interaction with operatives was part of an ongoing review of old Watch-List Actions (WLAs).

According to the DSS, the current Director-General had, upon assuming office, ordered a comprehensive review of watchlists, including some entries dating back to the military era, to ensure that citizens are not unnecessarily inconvenienced by outdated security records.

The agency explained that individuals previously placed on watchlists are routinely engaged during transit as part of a process aimed at reviewing and potentially downgrading or removing their names from such lists. It noted that the exercise is designed to assess whether the circumstances that originally led to their inclusion on the watchlist still exist.

The DSS stated that several Nigerians, including journalists and civil society figures, have benefited from the review process. It cited the case of Lanre Arogundade, whose name was removed from the watchlist in May 2025 after more than a decade.

The Service disclosed that Ndibe had been on its watchlist since January 29, 2013, but said his case had already been reviewed and downgraded. It added that the airport interaction was intended to facilitate the final stage of his delisting.

According to the statement, the engagement lasted less than an hour, after which Ndibe was cleared and escorted.

The DSS also referenced Ndibe’s own account of the encounter, noting that he reportedly acknowledged the professionalism and courteous conduct of its operatives.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights, the agency said it would continue reviewing old watchlist records to ensure fairness and compliance with legal standards.

The DSS encouraged individuals who believe they may still be affected by a Watch-List Action to formally contact its headquarters to support the ongoing review process, while stressing that the exercise would continue regardless of whether such requests are submitted.