DSS arrests officers involved in N310m robbery

The Department of State Services said in Abuja on Sunday that the agency had arrested two out of five of its operatives who robbed a Bureau de Change operator and carted away N310m.

The robbery took place on November 20 while the stolen money belonged to a BDC operator in Abuja.

Spokesperson for the DSS, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, said this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

He said while three of the operatives were on the run, military authorities had commenced a thorough investigation of five of its personnel allegedly involved in the crime.

He explained that preliminary investigations showed that those arrested connived with others to commit the crime.

Opuiyo said, “Preliminary investigations have revealed that Abdulrasheed Ahmadu Maigari of the DSS conspired with four other colleagues of his, namely: Solomon Inusa, Peter Okoye, Patrick Ihaya and George Mwatapwa Ibbi, to carry out this reprehensible act.

“The five military personnel were led by one Capt. Hussein Ishaku Mshelia.”

He stated that the agency had arrested Maigari and Ibbi while Mshelia had been arrested by the army authorities.

Opuiyo added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those still at large.

He revealed that N66,437,445 and $6,200 had so far been recovered from the bandits, while efforts were being made to recover the outstanding.

He attributed the success recorded in apprehending the suspects to the cooperation among the security agencies.

The DSS spokesman added that the service had suspended those arrested pending the determination of their case.

Opuiyo stated, “It is to be noted that security agencies now act in concert, hence the joint investigation undertaken by the police, army and the DSS.

“This action of the service is in line with the posture of the current administration and DSS management’s focus on professionalism, transparency and accountability.

“Those so far arrested have been suspended pending the completion of investigations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the service wants to reiterate its commitment to the basic ideals and principles as established by its forebears and will not spare anyone found to be contravening the rules and regulations or the laws of the land.”

He called on members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of those at large to the agency or other security agencies.

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