The Department of State Services (DSS) have released a statement Tuesday on the issue of diversion of palliatives, stating that its operatives arrested a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa state.
The statement released on Tuesday 5th September 2023, by Peter Afunanya, who is the Public Relations Officer Department of State Services, stated that the agency received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion of palliatives 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,” Peter Afunanya stated.
He continued:
“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,” Peter Afunanya added.
The suspects, Peter Afunanya said, have, however, been handed over for appropriate disciplinary measures. “The Service, therefore, calls on members of the public who may have information relating to this emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action,” he said.