File image: NSCDC operatives

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, has 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.

PUNCH gathered that the development comes amid a fresh wave of attacks on public property in the state, with recent cases involving the theft of roofing sheets, wires and armoured cables reported across several local government areas.

The arrest was confirmed on Saturday night by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Jigawa State Command, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse, the state capital.

According to the PRO, the suspect, Abdullahi Muhammad of Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was arrested on Saturday at about 11:50 am by vigilant NSCDC operatives.

He explained that the operation was made possible through credible intelligence and community collaboration.

“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.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly vandalised approximately 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve,” the PRO stated.

He further stated that the damaged fence forms part of a major environmental protection project.

“The fence was constructed about seven years ago under the Great Green Wall Project, a key environmental initiative aimed at combating desertification and protecting forest ecosystems,” Tijjani explained.

The NSCDC spokesperson added that the reserve is managed by the state government.

“The reserve is under the management of the Forestry Department of the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment,” he said.

Reacting, the State Commandant, CC Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the recent surge in vandalism.

“The Commandant described the vandalism of environmental infrastructure as a direct attack on government investments and national efforts to combat climate change, desert encroachment and environmental degradation,” Tijjani quoted him.

The Commandant also lauded his personnel and members of the public for their role.

“He commended the professionalism of the Corps’ personnel as well as the vigilance and patriotism displayed by members of the community and officials of the Forestry Department,” the PRO stated.

CC Ingawa emphasised the need for collective action in safeguarding public assets.

“He stressed that the achievement reflects the importance of community partnership in protecting public assets and preserving the nation’s environmental resources,” Tijjani said.

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, he 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,” Tijjani said.

“The NSCDC Jigawa State Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure and calls on all citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will help protect public property and strengthen national security,” the PRO added.