Operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) in Katsina State have recovered 2,000 bags of rice out of 20 trucks donated by the Federal Government. The rice was reportedly diverted by some government officials.

DSS officials confirmed the recovery but declined to provide further details, preferring to remain anonymous. According to an investigation, the 25kg bags of rice were found stored in a warehouse at the Central Market in Katsina, following a tip-off received on Wednesday night.

In response to the incident, Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, Principal Private Secretary to Governor Dikko Radda, clarified that the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.

“The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal, to keep it. He decided to take the rice to the market for safekeeping,” Abdullahi stated, noting that the minister was allocated 1,200 bags of rice.