By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, on Saturday arrested a 46-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Muhammad, for allegedly vandalising the Great Green Wall perimeter fence at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area. The arrest followed credible intelligence and community collaboration after the suspect allegedly damaged about 10 metres of fencing wire, an environmental protection project, according to the Command.
Wave of Vandalism Hits Public Infrastructure
The arrest comes amid a renewed wave of attacks on public infrastructure across Jigawa State. Recent incidents include the theft of roofing sheets, electrical wires and armoured cables in several local government areas.
The NSCDC confirmed the arrest on Saturday through a statement issued in Dutse by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani.
According to Tijjani, NSCDC operatives arrested the suspect at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday.
Community Intelligence Led to Arrest
Tijjani said the successful operation resulted from credible intelligence and strong community cooperation.
He explained that a local farmer, Amadu, and the Birniwa Zonal Forestry Officer, Zakar Yau Muhammad, provided timely information that enabled operatives to apprehend the suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly vandalised about 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve.
Fence Protects Great Green Wall Project
The NSCDC spokesperson explained that the damaged fence forms part of the Great Green Wall Project, a major environmental initiative.
He noted that authorities constructed the fence about seven years ago to combat desertification, reduce environmental degradation and protect forest ecosystems.
Tijjani added that the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment’s Forestry Department manages the forest reserve.
Commandant Condemns Attack on Public Assets
The State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the increasing cases of vandalism targeting public infrastructure.
He described the destruction of environmental facilities as a direct attack on government investments and national efforts to fight climate change, desert encroachment and environmental degradation.
Ingawa also praised NSCDC personnel, community members and Forestry Department officials for their professionalism, vigilance and patriotism during the operation.
He stressed that the successful arrest highlights the importance of community participation in protecting public assets and preserving Nigeria’s environmental resources.
NSCDC Vows to Prosecute Vandals
The NSCDC assured residents that it would intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals involved in vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure.
“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 said.
Tijjani disclosed that the suspect remains in NSCDC custody while investigations continue to determine whether accomplices participated in the crime.
He added that the suspect would face prosecution after investigators conclude their work.
The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical national assets and called on citizens to continue providing credible information to strengthen public safety and national security.
