A Department of State Services (DSS) operative reportedly discharged a firearm inside Garki market in Abuja.
The discharge is said to have resulted in stray bullets that injured two individuals.
The incident occurred when a customer summoned DSS agents to arrest a tailor. The tailor had failed to meet a clothing delivery deadline.
Some of the tailor’s colleagues intervened to prevent the arrest, which angered the DSS agents.
One of the operatives allegedly fired a shot that injured the tailor and struck a salesgirl in her shop.
In response, the tailor’s colleagues attempted to obstruct the DSS agents from leaving the market.
Police Intervention
Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, on Friday, said officers prevented the situation from degenerating.
“An altercation arose between market occupants and certain individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor named Muhammad Habibu,” Adeh said.
“The Garki Divisional Police station mobilized officers in response to a received distress call. The call reported the invasion of the market by these individuals who fired shots at this tailor.
“This incident led to some of the local youths reacting angrily and attempting to confront the DSS personnel involved.
“In response, the police intervened to rescue the individuals and protect public safety.
“There was damage to a section of the police outpost as some of the irate youths acted in a disorderly manner.”
The police also reported that they recovered the “weapons” used during the commotion and have restored normalcy in the area.
DSS reacts
DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, stated that an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
He also mentioned that personnel found culpable in the incident will face disciplinary measures.
The statement reads:
“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.”