Operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) have arrested officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices in some markets in the state over their attempted diversion and reselling of palliatives meant for the vulnerable.

The palliatives were provided by the federal government to states to ameliorate the hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

Spokesman of the SSS, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement on X, on Tuesday, saying it received reports from some state governments relating to the diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

Mr Afunaya stated that the Service investigated the report and recovered some of the items while apprehending the suspects who have now been handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The statement read, “Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects.

“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.

“The suspects 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,” it urged.