. . . As police detain operative

The Department of State Services (DSS) has constituted an in-house investigative team on the September 7, 2023 incident in an Abuja market in which its staff was suspected to be involved.

The incident in question left a tailor and some traders with injures when the operative allegedly opened gunfire in the market.

Also, the Service said while the inquiry is ongoing, it has visited the injured persons at the different hospitals where they are receiving treatment.

Besides, the Service said it is committed to the payment of the medical bills and made required deposits in this regard.

According to the DSS, the visit was to show sincerity of purpose, and the Service expressed readiness to move them to its world class medical facility in Abuja. “It could have undertaken these actions even if its staff were not involved”, a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, said on Thursday.

The PRO explained that, “Though these efforts are not, in any way, in admission of guilt (as investigation is yet to be concluded), the Service believes that the victims deserve empathy, financial support and justice”.

“While it is in regular contact with their families or guardians, it will continue to follow up on their recovery and progress. However, the DSS reassures the public that the victims are upbeat and responding well to treatment”, Afunanya added.

The DSS stressed that the Service has not interfered with the investigation of the police which is also detaining its Staff suspected to be involved in the incident.

The statement noted that Service’s position is not only to ensure justice for the victims, but it is in line with its avowed commitment to transparency, accountability and rule of law.

It assured that updates of this nature will always be made available till the matter is finally resolved.

It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier issued a statement in respect of a September 17, 2023 incident involving the Staff being detained by the police.

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