Protesters praise security agency for transparency as case involving DSS operative heads to court
Hundreds of women took to the streets of Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, on Thursday in a show of solidarity with the Department of State Services (DSS) over its handling of the controversial case involving Walida Abdulhadi.
The demonstrators marched through major roads in the city, praising the agency for what they described as a transparent investigation into allegations that a serving DSS operative abducted and impregnated the young woman.
Background of the Case
Walida reportedly disappeared from Hadejia in November 2023, sparking concern among her family and community.
According to accounts from her relatives, the situation took a dramatic turn on January 1, 2026, when the DSS operative allegedly contacted her father, informing him that Walida was with him, had already given birth, and that he was willing to marry her.
The development prompted legal representatives to petition the Kayode Egbetokun, the DSS leadership, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, demanding a thorough investigation.
Following the petitions, the DSS arrested the officer involved.
Investigations by the National Population Commission later confirmed Walida’s age as 22. The case has since been filed in court.
DSS Hands Walida Over to Governor
After weeks of investigations conducted by a joint interagency committee, the DSS handed Walida over to Governor Umar Namadi on February 26.
During the handover, the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, assured the public that both Walida and her baby would receive continued support and protection.
He also pledged that the same level of diligence and transparency demonstrated during the investigation would continue as the legal process unfolds.
Women Stage Solidarity March
The solidarity march in Dutse saw women from different groups gather at the Maiqwarya Roundabout before moving through the city’s main streets.
Carrying banners and chanting songs, the protesters expressed appreciation to the DSS and the state government for their response to the case.
Some placards read:
- “Thank you DSS for Standing by Walida”
- “We are happy with the DSS for refusing to play politics with the plight of Walida”
- “Walida has become a test case for Gender Rights”
The procession eventually ended at the Government House in Dutse, where the women were received by the Permanent Secretary, Audu Garba Dutse.
Calls for Justice and Support for Victim
One of the protest leaders, Salma Abdullahi, told the gathering that her past experience reporting a suspected rape case to the DSS in Jigawa had strengthened her confidence in the agency.
She commended the DSS leadership for involving relevant stakeholders in the investigation.
“I wasn’t surprised that the DSS Director General co-opted all the relevant stakeholders to help unravel what happened and how to support other young women who might face similar situations,” she said.
A similar demonstration had taken place earlier in Hadejia, where residents gathered at Sambajo Roundabout to commend both the DSS and the state government for their response.
Advocacy Groups Weigh In
Speaking for the Hadejia Advocacy Movement, Abubakar Babangida urged the public to focus on Walida’s rehabilitation rather than inflaming tensions.
“The focus should be on healing her mind and body. The matter is already before the courts and it will be interesting to see what the judicial process will determine,” he said.
Several organisations were present during the earlier handover, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and youth groups such as the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case is increasingly being viewed as a significant test of accountability and gender rights within Nigeria’s security institutions.
