The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody several individuals, including officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, on allegations of diverting essential palliatives intended for vulnerable members of the community.
These individuals are accused of participating in the unauthorized sale of the said palliatives, notably within the confines of the modern market located in Lafia, among other places.
A press release issued on Tuesday by Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, confirmed that following an in-depth investigation into the matter, the security agency has successfully recovered some of the diverted items. Additionally, the statement disclosed that similar operations are currently being conducted in various other states across the nation.
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In his statement, Afunanya conveyed, “The Department of State Services has been alerted by several state governments regarding the alleged diversion or sale of palliatives designated for the welfare of their citizens. In response, the Service initiated comprehensive investigations into these reports, leading to the recovery of certain items and the apprehension of the responsible suspects.”
He further elaborated, “While these operations continue in other states, the Service recently intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate operating in Nasarawa State. This syndicate is believed to be responsible for the misappropriation and subsequent sale of palliatives intended to support vulnerable individuals within the region. Among the individuals detained are officials associated with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, as well as their associates in various markets, most notably the Modern Market in Lafia, where these items were being illicitly traded. The suspects have been duly handed over for appropriate disciplinary actions.”
