The Zamfara State Government says no fewer than 40 vehicles were recovered by security operatives after a raid on the residence of the immediate past governor of the state, Bello Matawalle.

The Star had earlier reported that police operatives raided the residence of Matawalle over vehicles allegedly taken away by officials of his administration.

It was gathered that the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and police raided the residences of Matawalle in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, and his hometown, Maradun.

Speaking on the development, the state government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Suleiman Idris, said government’s stolen property were recovered from the former governor’s residence.

Idris disclosed that over 40 vehicles, including three bulletproof cars and eight SUVs were recovered during the operation.

READ ALSO: Police raid Zamfara ex-gov’s residence over missing govt vehicles

He stated: “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 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. 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,” the governor’s spokesman said.

The Star