5th September, 2023
The Department of State Services (DSS) has made a stunning revelation about the arrest of some officials of a state emergency agency, selling palliatives meant for vulnerable compatriots.
The emergency agency is usually saddled with the responsibility of distributing the relief items.
In a statement Tuesday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunnaya said the suspects were caught selling the palliatives in the open market.
The agency said it got cracking when it received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.
“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects”, Afunnaya said.
While investigation is ongoing in other states, the probe has yielded dividends in Nasarawa state, where a criminal syndicate involved in the diversion of the palliatives, has been intercepted.
The bigger surprise was that officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) were among the suspects arrested.
They were arrested, along with their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold.
The suspects have been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures, Afunnaya said.
The DSS has called on the public who may have information relating to this emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action.