Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested officials from a state emergency agency for selling palliatives meant for vulnerable citizens.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Tuesday, DSS spokesman Peter Afunnaya said the suspects were caught selling the palliatives in the open market.
The emergency agency is responsible for distributing relief items to those in need.
This action came in response to reports received by the DSS from several state governments about the diversion or sale of relief items meant for their citizens. The DSS initiated investigations, leading to the recovery of some of the items and the apprehension of the suspects.
“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects”, Afunnaya said.
While investigations are ongoing in other states, they have successfully intercepted a criminal syndicate in Nasarawa state that was involved in diverting the palliatives.
Surprisingly, officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) were among the suspects arrested. They were apprehended, along with their accomplices in markets notably Modern Market Lafia, where the items were being resold.
The DSS has handed over the suspects for appropriate disciplinary action and encourages the public to report any information related to this trend to relevant security agencies for necessary action.
