Two DSS Operatives, One Soldier Arrested over Bureau De Change Robbery

Two DSS Operatives, One Soldier Arrested over Bureau De Change Robbery

07 Dec 2015
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•N66.4 million recovered
By Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two of its operatives,  while the Nigerian Army has equally nabbed one soldier in connection with a robbery that took place at a Bureau De Change.
According to a  statement signed on behalf of the DSS by one Tony Opuiyo, the Service arrested two out of five of its staff involved in the robbery and sharing on November 20, 2015, of the sum of N310 million  belonging to a Bureau De Change operator in Abuja.
 Opuiyo, in the statement said while three of the DSS staff are now at large, the military authorities have commenced a detailed investigation of five of its personnel involved in the crime.
Preliminary investigations, he said, had revealed that Abdulrasheed Ahmadu Maigari of the DSS conspired with four  other colleagues: Solomon Inusa, Peter Okoye, Patrick Ishaya and George Mwatapwa Ibbi, to carry out this reprehensible act.
 He said the five military personnel were led by one Capt. Hussein Ishaku Mshelia.
“Meanwhile, the Service has arrested Maigari and Ibbi; while Mshelia was equally arrested by the army authorities.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those still at large. A total of Sixty-six million four hundred and thirty seven thousand, four uundred and forty-five naira (N66,437,445.00) and Six thousand two hundred dollars ($6,200) have so far been recovered, while efforts are being made to recover the remaining amounts.
“It is to be noted that security agencies now act in concert, thus the joint investigation undertaken with the police, army and the DSS,” the statement read in part.
Opuiyo noted that this action of the Service is in line with the posture of the current administration and the DSS management focus on professionalism, transparency and accountability.
 He said 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 and will not spare anyone found to be contravening the rules and regulations or the laws of the land.
“We therefore encourage members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of those at large to volunteer same to the Service or other security agency. 
“The DSS also wishes to use this opportunity to assure all law abiding citizens of their safety, and urge them to partner with the Service in the smooth discharge of its responsibilities.”