The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed strong disapproval of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department for State Services (DSS) for allegedly raiding the residences of former Governor Bello Matawalle in Zamfara state. The State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Yusuf Idris, conveyed the party's condemnation in a statement issued in Gusau. The invasion was deemed a violation of several sections of the Nigerian Constitution. The motive behind the raid remains unclear, and the APC called on the NPF and the DSS to caution their personnel and take action against those involved.
The APC urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to promptly investigate and prosecute the individuals responsible for the unlawful intrusion into the residences of the former governor. They also demanded the immediate arrest of the personnel stationed at the two residences. While emphasizing that Matawalle had nothing to hide, the APC stressed that any actions against him or his property should be carried out through legal means. They emphasized the need for the police and other security agencies to exercise caution in political matters, particularly in Zamfara state, which is facing serious security challenges.
In response to the police raid, the Zamfara government stated that it had instructed the operatives to recover vehicles allegedly looted by the former governor. The government, through its spokesperson Suleman Idris, explained that the police operation was conducted based on a court order they had obtained. The residences of the former governor in Gusau, Maradun, and an undisclosed location were targeted, resulting in the seizure of over 40 vehicles, including bulletproof and Sport Utility vehicles (SUVs). The government reaffirmed its commitment to recovering assets belonging to the people, highlighting the importance of this endeavor in their mission to rescue and rebuild Zamfara. They called for calm among the people and emphasized improvements in security and the resolution of water scarcity issues in the state.
