DSS intercepted some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the new redesigned naira notes.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Department of State Services (DSS) said it had intercepted some members of organised syndicates involved in the sale of the new redesigned naira notes.
The service in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya said that “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.”
The statement continued: “Consequently, the Service warns the currency racketeers to desist from this ignoble act.
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“Appropriate regulatory authorities are, in this same vein, urged to step up monitoring and supervisory activities to expeditiously address the 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.”
The statement did not indicate the members of the syndicate, nor where they were nabbed. It only stressed that the suspects engaged in the transaction with the collusion of corrupt bank officials.
There have been series of complaints by Nigerians on scarcity of the new currencies at the banks. Despite assurances by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on making the new notes available, the squeeze has not abated. On the contrary, there have been allegations of the notes being sold at event centres and open spaces in the markets.
Due to the inconveniences trailing the currency swap, the apex bank, on Sunday, extended the deadline for the return of old notes from the original 31 January date to February 10.
The shift on the schedule followed a meeting between the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele and the President, Muhammadu Buhari. According to him, President Buhari gave approval for the extension.