The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has launched investigation over a violent incident in Garki market, Abuja, involving its operatives and suspected mob on Thursday evening.
This followed a video of the incident which surfaced online where traders at the major market were scampering for safety after a loud sound of gunshot was heard.
A Lady, who obviously shoot the viral video, was heard on background saying: “Just look at what is happening…They shot that girl. See her, she is bleeding. Is that blood on her face? Innocent person!”
“How can you shoot in the market?” she asked further as she captured traders running after a dark SUV leaving the scene of the incident.
Sources said that the black SUV conveyed the DSS operatives to the market. It is not yet clear if they came deliberately to affect an arrest or they reacted to an incident that made the operatives to start shooting in the market.
But DSS Spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, said in a statement that the secret police responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Afunanya said: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago (today, 7/9/2023) between its staff and a mob at the Garki Market, Abuja. Information at the disposal of the Service was that its FCT Command responded to an SOS from their field operatives who allegedly came under a mob attack in the said market.
“Consequently, the Service has commenced an investigation into the matter. The public is assured that details of the inquiries will be communicated as soon as possible.
“The Service assures that it will not hesitate to mete out proper disciplinary measure(s) to its staff if found culpable or running foul of Standard Operating Procedures on dealing with a member of the public.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said some suspect have been arrested in connection to the incident.
In a statement, FCT Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved.
In response to the development, she said the Police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety.
“During the incident, there was damage to a section of the Police outpost as some of the irate youths acted in a disorderly manner. It is important to note that some weapons used in the commotion have been recovered, and normalcy has now been restored,” the statement said.