Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, has arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly vandalising the perimeter fence of the Great Green Wall Project at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Muhammad of Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was apprehended on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at about 11:50 a.m. following an intelligence-led operation by vigilant NSCDC operatives.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday night by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, and made available to journalists in Dutse, the state capital. According to the PRO, the successful operation was made possible through credible intelligence and the collaborative efforts of a local farmer, Amadu, and the Birniwa Zonal Forestry Officer, Zakar Yau Muhammad, whose prompt action led to the suspect's apprehension.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly vandalised approximately 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve. The damaged fence forms part of a major environmental protection project constructed about seven years ago under the Great Green Wall Project, a key environmental initiative aimed at combating desertification and protecting forest ecosystems. The reserve is managed by the Forestry Department of the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment.
Reacting to the incident, the State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, condemned the recent surge in vandalism, describing the vandalism of environmental infrastructure as a direct attack on government investments and national efforts to combat climate change, desert encroachment, and environmental degradation. He commended the professionalism of NSCDC personnel and the vigilance and patriotism displayed by members of the community and officials of the Forestry Department, noting that the arrest highlighted the importance of community partnership in protecting public assets and preserving the nation's environmental resources.
The Jigawa NSCDC Command also warned that it would sustain its crackdown on vandals. "The Command would not relent in its determination to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure," the statement read. The PRO further urged residents across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies.
Giving an update on the investigation, Tijjani said the suspect is currently in the custody of the Corps, while investigations are ongoing to determine whether other persons were involved. He will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The NSCDC Jigawa State Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and called on all citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will help protect public property and strengthen national security.
The arrest comes amid a fresh wave of attacks on public property in Jigawa State, with recent cases involving the theft of roofing sheets, wires, and armoured cables reported across several local government areas. The Commandant stressed the need for collective action in safeguarding public assets and warned that the Corps would continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations to ensure offenders are brought to justice.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments