Odvetnik poziva policijo, EFCC, vojsko, naj sprejmejo model odškodnine DSS

A Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate has called on key security agencies to emulate the compensation model introduced by the Department of State Services (DSS) for individuals wrongfully affected by security operations. Hamza Dantani, making the appeal in a statement released on Monday, praised the DSS for its initiative, which provides financial redress to citizens wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained, or harmed during counter-terrorism and crime crackdowns. The move comes amid growing concerns over the balance between national security and individual rights in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminal activity. Dantani highlighted the importance of accountability within security institutions, emphasizing that while these bodies have a constitutional mandate to safeguard the nation, they must also recognize and rectify their mistakes. He described the DSS's compensation program as “bold and unprecedented,” noting that it reflects both a legal and moral obligation to address grievances arising from operational errors. His comments were included in a press release titled “DSS Compensation Initiative Sets Standard for Security Agencies, Dantani.” The lawyer argued that the fight against terrorism and related crimes must not come at the cost of undermining the rule of law or basic human rights. He pointed out that national security and respect for civil liberties are not mutually exclusive but rather reinforcing concepts. By acknowledging and correcting errors, security agencies can bolster public confidence and demonstrate that no institution is beyond the reach of the law. Dantani cited several high-profile cases where the DSS has provided compensation to individuals wrongly implicated in security operations. These include Nura Idris, a farmer and herder from Kaduna who received ₦3 million after being falsely linked to Boko Haram; Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja businesswoman awarded ₦10 million following her wrongful arrest on oil bunkering charges; and a Sokoto-based trader who received ₦20 million along with lifetime healthcare coverage after being mistakenly shot during a 2016 operation in Jos. Other recipients include Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo, who were wrongly accused of banditry and kidnapping and later compensated. Additionally, 11 artisans from Osun State were cleared of terrorism-related charges and given financial support. These cases underscore the long-term impact of wrongful arrests and detentions, which often result in severe financial, emotional, and reputational harm. While Dantani acknowledged that monetary compensation cannot fully undo the damage caused by such incidents, he emphasized that it serves as a critical step toward recognizing wrongdoing and accepting institutional responsibility. In his statement, Dantani specifically urged the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other law enforcement bodies to adopt similar measures. He called for these agencies to implement policies that ensure innocent citizens receive appropriate redress when investigations confirm their wrongful treatment. The push for broader adoption of the DSS model follows increasing scrutiny of how security forces operate in Nigeria. Reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and lack of transparency have raised questions about the accountability of various agencies. Dantani’s advocacy aligns with calls for greater oversight and reform within the security sector, particularly as the government continues to grapple with rising insecurity across the country. His remarks also coincide with recent developments involving the military and police, including the appointment of a new general officer commanding for the 2 Division in Oyo State. Meanwhile, the administration has announced plans to review the proposed state police bill on September 3, signaling potential changes in policing structures and responsibilities. Dantani’s appeal highlights a growing demand for institutional accountability and the need for security agencies to balance their mandates with the protection of individual rights. As the debate over national security and civil liberties continues, the DSS’s compensation initiative stands as a notable example of how corrective action can enhance public trust and reinforce democratic values.