The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken decisive action, apprehending officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency and their associates for their alleged involvement in diverting crucial palliatives designated for the most vulnerable members of society.

The individuals in question stand accused of profiting from the sale of these vital supplies, with transactions occurring in various locations, including the bustling Modern Market in Lafia.

In an official statement released on Tuesday by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya, it was disclosed that diligent investigative efforts had enabled the recovery of a portion of the pilfered items. The DSS emphasized that similar operations are actively underway across several states in the country.

The statement elaborated: “The Department of State Services has been alerted by certain state governments regarding instances of misdirection or illicit trade involving essential palliative resources intended for their respective citizenry. As a result, the Service initiated comprehensive investigations into these reports, resulting in the recovery of several of the purloined items and the detention of the implicated individuals.”

“While these enforcement activities persist in various states, the DSS has, for instance, intercepted and apprehended a suspected criminal syndicate operating in Nasarawa State, which is believed to be responsible for diverting and trading palliatives that were originally meant for the most vulnerable members of the community.”

“Among the apprehended suspects are officials affiliated with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, alongside their collaborators operating in local markets, notably the Modern Market in Lafia, where the diverted items were being illicitly resold. These suspects have since been handed over to relevant authorities for appropriate disciplinary action.”