The DSS says journalist Zainab Sodiq was detained over an alleged drone permit violation, insisting the investigation is about national security rules, not journalism.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended the arrest and continued detention of journalist Zainab Sodiq, saying its actions were based on national security regulations governing the possession and operation of drones rather than her professional activities.
The security agency said Sodiq is currently being investigated after she was allegedly found with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, without the required approval documents while travelling through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The development has sparked fresh public debate, with supporters of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore describing the arrest as an attack on press freedom, while the DSS insists the case is strictly about compliance with existing national security laws.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS, Favour Dozie, explained that the journalist was intercepted on July 6 by personnel of the Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit working alongside DSS operatives.
According to the statement, Sodiq was preparing to board a flight from Lagos to Abuja when security officials discovered that she was transporting a drone.
Further checks allegedly showed that she did not possess an End User Certificate (EUC), one of the documents required under regulations guiding the acquisition and use of drones in Nigeria.
The agency stated that when questioned by security personnel, the journalist admitted she did not have the necessary authorisation documents.
Despite the discovery, the DSS said it did not prevent her from travelling immediately. Instead, officials allowed her to continue her journey to Abuja because she reportedly had an important engagement to attend.
However, she was instructed to appear before the DSS on July 8 to continue investigations into the matter. The agency confirmed that she later reported as directed and is currently being held at its national headquarters in Abuja while the investigation continues.
The DSS stressed that its actions were guided by existing directives issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which regulates the ownership, importation and operation of drones across the country.
According to the agency, the restrictions were introduced because drones have become increasingly sophisticated and can be used for surveillance, intelligence gathering and other activities capable of posing security risks if operated without proper authorisation.
It explained that under the applicable regulations, individuals or organisations operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) without approval may face sanctions, including the confiscation of equipment and possible prosecution where necessary.
The service added that enforcement of the regulations has become more important in recent years due to growing security concerns both within Nigeria and internationally.
Officials noted that unauthorised drone operations can compromise public safety, violate individual privacy, interfere with sensitive government facilities and create additional security challenges in vulnerable locations.
For this reason, the DSS maintained that compliance with the regulations is mandatory for everyone regardless of occupation or status.
The agency also rejected suggestions that the investigation was politically motivated, insisting that the issue under review concerns documentation required for drone possession and not Sodiq’s role as a journalist.
However, the arrest has attracted criticism from Omoyele Sowore, whose political activities Sodiq regularly covers.
Reacting through a post on X, the former presidential candidate alleged that the journalist had been detained simply because she reports on his daily engagements.
He described the action as an attempt to intimidate independent journalists and silence voices critical of the government.
Sowore argued that Sodiq committed no offence beyond carrying out her professional responsibilities and accused the current administration of using state institutions to suppress dissent.
He also criticised the leadership of the DSS, warning that actions perceived as targeting journalists could further fuel concerns over press freedom and democratic rights in Nigeria.
The incident has since generated mixed reactions across social media, where commentators remain divided over the legality of the DSS action.
While some Nigerians argue that security agencies are justified in enforcing regulations governing drone operations, others believe authorities should exercise caution to avoid creating the impression that journalists are being singled out because of the individuals or organisations they cover.
Legal analysts have also noted that drone regulations remain an evolving area in Nigeria, with increasing attention being paid to balancing national security concerns against civil liberties, including freedom of expression and media practice.
The outcome of the DSS investigation is expected to determine whether any formal charges will be filed or whether the matter will be resolved administratively through regulatory compliance procedures.
For now, the agency maintains that the investigation remains ongoing and that its actions are fully backed by existing national security regulations governing the use of drones in Nigeria.
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