DSS arrests syndicates selling new naira notes

The Department of State Services said on Monday that its officers have arrested an undisclosed number of individuals involved in the sale of the new naira notes.

The DSS, in a statement issued Monday by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, accused some commercial bank officials of complicity in the crime.

The statement was titled “DSS Intercepted Syndicates Selling New Notes, Bank Official Concerned.”

It read: “The Department of State Services hereby informs the public that it has intercepted some members of organized syndicates involved in the sale of the new redesigned naira notes. In the course of its operations, in this regard in parts of the country, it was also found that some commercial bank officials are aiding the economic crime.

“Consequently, the Agency warns the currency extortionists to refrain from this ignoble act. In the same spirit, appropriate regulators are urged to step up monitoring and oversight activities to swiftly address the emerging trend.

“It should be noted that the agency has ordered its commands and formations to further ensure that all individuals and groups involved in the illicit sale of the banknotes are identified. Therefore, anyone with useful information on this is encouraged to pass it on to the relevant authorities.”