IPI Nigeria Secures Release of Journalist Carrying Drone from DSS Custody

The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has secured the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Ahmed Shekarau, said Sodiq was released to the Institute’s leadership at about 7:30 p.m. on Friday, following the organisation’s intervention.

Shekarau said, “The Nigerian National Committee of IPI Nigeria has announced the release of journalist Zainab Sodiq, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over her possession of a drone.

“Ms Sodiq was reportedly intercepted by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday, July 6, 2026 while preparing to travel with the drone.”

The institute’s scribe said that she was allowed to continue her journey to Abuja on Monday.

He said that she was, however, directed to report to the DSS headquarters on Wednesday, where she was subsequently detained for possessing the device without the requisite End User Certificate.

According to him, IPI Nigeria has confirmed that Sodiq has now been released to the Institute’s leadership.

Commenting on the development, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, welcomed Sodiq’s release and commended the DSS for its engagement with the Institute.