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Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

Published

3 years ago

June 11, 2023

Ex-Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle

Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

The immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, has reacted to the Friday invasion of his two private houses by security agents to remove vehicles.

Matawalle who spoke to BBC Hausa service in an interview on Saturday morning accused the security agents of looting the personal belongings of his wives and children, including clothing materials.

He maintained that he was not issued with the copy of the court order which allowed the security agents to invade his houses as claimed by his successor, Dauda Lawal.

He described the action of the security agents as a breach of his fundamental rights, especially the right of privacy.

Matawalle explained that majority of the vehicles taken away by the security agencies from his two houses in Gusau and Maradun were procured by him before he became a governor.

He also alleged that the security agents went beyond vehicle recovery and picked up valuables and belongings of his wives and family members.

He also alleged that the security operatives moved away the matrimonial facilities he secured for the scheduled wedding of his daughters.

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Reacting to the claim by the security agents that 40 vehicles were recovered from his houses, Matawalle said, “The security agents should display the 40 vehicles for the public judgment. Anybody who knows Bello Matawalle will believe that I have been in car business ever since I became the governor of Zamfara State.”

“I have been in car business for a long period of time and most of the vehicles the security personnel impounded from my two houses are those that I bought from America long before I became a governor.

“The vehicles they impounded at Maradun were those donated to me by well-wishers and were all branded with my images and that of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But surprisingly, they said that the vehicles belong to the state government.”

He expressed disgust over the action, saying, “I have never seen the worst scenario like what happened in my residences last Friday.”

The former governor said he was in Abuja and nobody called to notify him that his attention was needed in relation to the issue. “But all I heard was that the security agents invaded my private residences as if there is no law and order in Nigeria,” he lamented.

He described the incident as a complete drama and lack of the fear of God. He said it was beyond the recovery of vehicles, adding that, “The security agents went as far as impounding some items belonging to my family.”

He charged his successor to face the problems affecting the state. “He should not create another problem by fighting me since he knows that I also have supporters who will not fold their hands and allow me to be humiliated,” he added.

Matawalle said he would not ask the security agents or the state government to return the vehicles, concluding, ‘I will however follow an appropriate channel as stipulated by the law.”

Matawalle accuses security agents of looting wives’, children’s belongings

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April 7, 2026

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Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar Mohammed‑Hadejia

Gunmen Kill 4 in Kebbi, Abduct 6 in Sokoto Attacks

At least four people have been killed in Kebbi State while six residents were abducted in Sokoto State in separate attacks by armed gunmen, highlighting escalating insecurity in northwest Nigeria.

In Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State, a terrorist group known as Mamudawa carried out coordinated raids on several villages in the Gebbe District on Sunday and Monday. Residents said the attackers crossed from Wawa Forest in Niger State to strike communities including Kalkami, Tungar Bori, and Kawara. Eyewitnesses reported that homes and buildings were set ablaze, with Kawara village reportedly completely burnt down.

A local resident, Yisa Ahmed, said, “Some buildings were set on fire, and people fled to the forests or to Gungu Island for safety.” The Vice Chairman of Shanga LGA, Adamu Hamza Gebbe, confirmed the attacks, noting that Shanga has repeatedly faced assaults from bandits, kidnappers, and cattle rustlers. The District Head of Gebbe, Alhaji Haruna Usman, added that many residents remain displaced.

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Meanwhile, in Gazau village, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, bandits abducted six residents during an early-morning raid on Monday. The attackers initially seized 13 individuals—12 women and one man—but later released seven, taking six hostages to a hideout. The victims were identified as Asabe Zakariya, Inno Ibrahim, Inno Musa, Umma Yusuf, Safina Abdullahi, and Saminu Jijji.

A relative of the victims revealed that the bandits threatened to continue daily attacks unless residents sought amnesty from them. Efforts to reach local authorities and police spokesperson were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Security analysts warn that these incidents reflect a persistent security crisis in rural northwest Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target communities for ransom, extortion, and terror. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further escalation.

Gunmen Kill 4 in Kebbi, Abduct 6 in Sokoto Attacks

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Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

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Nigerian Troops Foil Fuel Smuggling, Arrest 16 Suspected Terrorists in Borno

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully intercepted a cross-border fuel smuggling attempt and arrested 16 suspected terrorists in ongoing operations across the North-East Theatre of Nigeria, the military has confirmed.

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Military authorities emphasised that the arrested suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for further investigation and prosecution. Commanders also urged local communities to continue providing credible intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness and civilian security.

The military described the recent operations as a significant blow to terrorist logistics, underscoring its commitment to protecting civilians, securing communities, and degrading the capabilities of insurgent groups in the North-East.

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Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

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Military Investigates Maiduguri Killing of 14‑Year‑Old Girl, Arrests Five Suspects

The Nigerian military has confirmed the death of a 14‑year-old girl in Maiduguri, Borno State, and has arrested five suspects in connection with the incident. The tragedy reportedly occurred during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the Costain area of the city.

According to Lt. Col. Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the girl was struck by a stray bullet fired by vigilantes later identified as members of an escorts team linked to a Local Government Chairman. The incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on April 4, 2026, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), quickly traced and apprehended five suspects: Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18). The suspects are now in custody and will be handed over to authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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The military condemned the act, describing it as “highly unprofessional, unauthorized, and a clear violation of regulations governing firearms.” It reiterated that the CJTF operates strictly as a support group and is prohibited from engaging in indiscriminate shooting in civilian areas.

A comprehensive investigation is underway in collaboration with relevant state authorities, including the Office of the Senior Adviser on Security to the Borno State Government, to determine the full circumstances of the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

While security forces say the overall situation in the area remains calm, troops have been placed on heightened vigilance to maintain order. The military also extended condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and civilian protection.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have called for a thorough and transparent investigation. AI highlighted that the girl was inside her home when struck and warned that the reckless use of firearms by security or affiliated groups raises serious civilian safety concerns.

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