NSCDC arrests suspect over Great Green Wall fence vandalism in Jigawa

Operatives of the Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly vandalising the perimeter fence of the Great Green Wall at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed intelligence reports of the vandalism of government property across the state. Several government facilities, including roofing sheets, doors and windows, were reportedly removed by criminals.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the NSCDC Jigawa State Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, the command said one of the suspects, Abdullahi Muhammad of Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was arrested on Saturday at about 11:50 am by vigilant NSCDC operatives.

“The successful operation followed credible information 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,” he said.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly vandalised approximately 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve, adding that the damaged fence, constructed about seven years ago, forms part of a major environmental protection project.

It said the state commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the recent surge in vandalism and warned criminals in the state to desist or face severe punishment, stressing that operatives of the corps were strategically deployed across different locations to prevent criminal activities.