Unnamed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have triggered pandemonium and anger in Garki Modern Market, Abuja, today by shooting in the air while attempting to effect a tailor’s arrest.

It took the intervention of the police to save the DSS officials from an angry mob attack.

The FCT police command and the secret police have, however, reacted to the incident.

According to the spokesman of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, “In an incident at Garki International Market today, an altercation arose between market occupants and certain individuals, including a DSS personnel and a tailor named Muhammad Habibu.

“The Garki Divisional Police Station mobilized officers in response to a received distress call reporting the invasion of the market by these individuals, who fired shots at a tailor known as Mubarak Mubarak.

“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.

“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.

Meanwhile, the DSS said it is investigating the incident in Garki Market involving its staff.

According to the secret police spokesman, Peter Afunanya, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to an incident that occurred a few hours ago (today, 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.”