DSS arrests govt officials for selling palliatives in markets

The operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested some officials of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) for selling palliatives meant for distribution to the people of the state.

The NASEMA officials were arrested alongside their accomplices by the DSS following reports from state governments that some individuals were selling the palliatives.

The palliatives mostly food items were meant to cushing the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

The spokesperson of the secret police, Peter Afunanya, who made this known via a statement issued on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, noted that the NASEMA officials and their accomplices were arrested in the markets, including Modern Market in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, where the items were being resold.

Afunanya stated: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

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“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“While this operation is ongoing in other states, the Service has for instance, intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.

“Among those suspects are officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in the markets, notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold.”

He, however, said the arrested suspects have been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures.

The DSS spokesperson further urged Nigerians, “who may have information relating to this emerging trend” to report to security agencies for necessary action.

The Star