ABUJA, Nigeria — The Department of State Services, DSS, Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, announced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, that it had dismantled a criminal syndicate responsible for diverting and selling government palliatives intended for vulnerable citizens.
The crackdown comes amid severe economic stress on the population following the removal of petrol subsidies on May 29, 2023.
DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya revealed that among the arrested suspects are officials from the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, NASEMA, and vendors from Modern Market Lafia, where the diverted items were being resold.
“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects,” Afunanya said in a statement.
After the fuel subsidy removal, the Federal Government had released billions of naira to state governments for aid distribution to cushion the impact on the nation’s poorest.
However, the DSS disclosed that it had received numerous reports from several state governments about diverting or selling these critical aid items.
According to the DSS, the suspects have been handed over for “appropriate disciplinary measures,” which also urged the public to report similar misconduct to relevant security agencies.
As the country grapples with soaring fuel prices and economic instability, the revelation about misappropriated aid adds a layer of public distrust toward governmental operations.
Human rights activist, Zainab Ahmed, voiced her concern: “It’s heartbreaking that even in times of crisis, some individuals in positions of authority choose to exploit the vulnerability of their fellow citizens. This is not just a crime but a betrayal of public trust.”
Economic experts also weighed in on the dire situation, emphasizing the importance of transparent governance during such sensitive times.
“Trust in institutions is essential, especially when a population is vulnerable,” said Dr. Tunde Adebayo, an economist at the University of Lagos. “The DSS’s action, while laudable, highlights the rot in the system that needs to be urgently addressed.”
As inflation rates and economic hardships continue to bite, the DSS’s announcement has put further pressure on state and federal governments to increase oversight and prevent corruption, especially as it relates to aid and subsidies intended for the public good.
