NSCDC Arrests Suspect For Vandalising Great Green Wall Fence In Jigsaw

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said on Saturday it had arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly vandalising part of the perimeter fence protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Jigawa State.

The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Muhammad from Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was arrested on Saturday following intelligence received by NSCDC operatives, with assistance from a local farmer and forestry officials, the agency said in a statement.

The NSCDC said preliminary investigations showed the suspect allegedly removed about 10 metres of fencing wire from the reserve, whose perimeter was built around seven years ago under the Great Green Wall Project, an initiative aimed at combating desertification and protecting forest ecosystems.

Jigawa State Commandant Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa condemned the alleged vandalism, describing it as “a direct attack on government investments and national efforts to combat climate change, desert encroachment and environmental degradation.”

He praised NSCDC personnel, community members and officials of the Forestry Department for their role in the arrest, saying the operation underscored the importance of public cooperation in protecting critical national assets.

“The Command will not relent in its determination to identify, arrest, investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,” Ingawa said.

The suspect remains in NSCDC custody while investigations continue.

He will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation, the agency said.