The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a 46-year-old man for allegedly vandalising part of the perimeter fence protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Badruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Dutse, saying the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Muhammad from Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was apprehended on Saturday following intelligence gathered by security operatives.
Tijjani said the arrest was made through the combined efforts of NSCDC personnel, members of the local community and forestry officials.
“The operation was successful due to credible intelligence and the prompt collaboration of a local farmer and the Birniwa Zonal Forestry Officer, whose actions led to the suspect’s arrest,” he said.
According to him, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly damaged about 10 metres of fencing wire surrounding the forest reserve.
He explained that the fence was constructed about seven years ago under the Great Green Wall Project, an environmental initiative aimed at curbing 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 of the NSCDC, Muhammad Ingawa, described the destruction of environmental infrastructure as an attack on government investments and efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
“Vandalising environmental infrastructure undermines national efforts to combat desert encroachment and protect public assets. We will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute anyone involved in such crimes,” Ingawa said.
The Commandant commended NSCDC personnel, community members and forestry officials for their vigilance and stressed that public cooperation remains vital in safeguarding critical national assets.
The NSCDC said investigations are ongoing to determine whether other individuals were involved in the incident, adding that the suspect will be charged in court after the investigation is concluded.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to help protect public infrastructure across the state.
