Some members of an organized syndicate selling the new Naira notes in various parts of the nation have been detained by the Department of State Services.
Although the DSS withheld the suspects’ names and locations, the agency claimed in a statement on Monday that several commercial bank employees were complicit in the crime.
The DSS’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, issued a statement under his signature warning that the Service will pursue individuals responsible for the wrongdoing.
The statement said, “The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has intercepted some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the newly redesigned naira notes. In the course of its operations, in this regard in parts of the country, it was also established that some Commercial Bank officials are aiding the economic malfeasance.
“Consequently, the Service warns the currency racketeers to desist from this ignoble act. Appropriate regulatory authorities are, in this same vein, urged to step up monitoring and supervisory activities to expeditiously address emerging trends.
“It should be noted that the Service has ordered its Commands and Formations to further ensure that all persons and groups engaged in the illegal sale of the notes are identified. Therefore, anyone with useful information relating to this is encouraged to pass the same to the relevant authorities”.