DSS, Police recover 40 vehicles including bullet-proof jeeps carted away by ex-Zamfara Gov. Matawalle

In a sting operation by the combined team of the Police and the Department of State Service (DSS), about 40 official vehicles including bullet-proof jeeps have been recovered from the immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle.

The properties were recovered from the houses of the former governor in Gusau, the state capital, and Maradun town by the security operatives on the prompting of the new administration in the state.

The over 40 vehicles carted away by the ex-governor included three bullet-proof vehicles and eight SUVs which were recovered during the operation done in execution of a court order and a search warrant earlier obtained by the government.

“The Zamfara State Government has cleared the air on the operation of the Nigeria Police Force that led to the recovery of vehicles looted by the former State Governor, Bello Mohammamed Matawalle.

“In the early hours of Friday, the Nigeria Police Force stormed the residence of the former Governor where over 40 vehicles were impounded.

“The Police acted on a court order and a search warrant was obtained for the operation.

“Recall that the Zamfara State Government communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five (5) working days.

“We also lodged an official complaint with the Police on overriding public interest on wasteful looting of valuables including official vehicles.

“Consequently, the police sought a search warrant which was duly given by the court and hence raided Matawalle’s residence in Gusau, Maradun Local Government, and another unidentified hideout.

“Over 40 vehicles were recovered including three bulletproof vehicles and Eight SUVs. We want to reaffirm our commitment to recover all that belongs to the people,” Mr Suleiman Idris, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the new governor said.

“Our common resolve is to rescue and rebuild Zamfara. Recovering the proceeds of crime and public assets is a critical part of our rescue mission.

“We want to call on the people of Zamfara to remain calm as we continue to record massive improvements in the areas of security and the lingering water scarcity in the state,” he also said.