By BONIFACE AKARAH

Nigeria’s US-based journalist, author, columnist and public intellectual, Prof. Okey Ndibe, has confirmed his release after being detained for more than three hours by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Ndibe disclosed his release in a statement shared on Monday, expressing gratitude to friends, associates and supporters who reached out to him following reports of his detention.

“I am so grateful for the expressions of concern by many friends, acquaintances and others over my detention earlier today by the DSS at Murtala Muhammed International Airport,” he said.

The renowned writer noted that the DSS operatives who interacted with him conducted themselves professionally throughout the period of his detention.

“The two agents who interacted with me were quite courteous throughout the three-plus hours of my detention,” Ndibe stated.

He added that he had regained his freedom and was in good condition.

“I’d like to confirm that I’ve been released,” he said.

Ndibe revealed that he received numerous calls from different parts of the world after news of the incident emerged, although he was unable to respond to most of them immediately.

“Dozens of people have called me from different parts of the world. I was only able to speak to a few. In the coming days, I’ll find time to return more calls,” he said.

Reassuring supporters about his wellbeing, the author said he remained in high spirits despite the experience.

“But I want all to know that I am fine and in excellent spirits. I treasure your messages and gestures of friendship,” Ndibe added.

The circumstances surrounding the DSS detention were not immediately clear as of the time of filing this report. Neither Ndibe nor the security agency had provided further details on the reasons for the temporary detention.