The Yobe State Police Command has arrested 26 suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy, large-scale illegal tree-felling, and activities said to be worsening desertification in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of the state.
The offences were reportedly carried out in the forested areas of Garaji village.
A reliable source said the suspects, all males, are residents of Damaturu LGA.
The source disclosed on Wednesday in Damaturu that, “On 2nd February 2026, the arrested persons allegedly went into the bush and cut down a large number of trees without the knowledge or approvals of the local government authorities of Tarmuwa.”
The local authority described the act as deliberate and contrary to Yobe State laws that prohibit indiscriminate tree-felling, aimed at curbing desertification that has already affected 11 communities, including Geidam, Machina, Bursari, Fune, Yunusari, and Tarmuwa.
In addition to the arrests, the source said, “The police, acting on a complaint of Habu Mandadawa, who also serves as the Supervisor of the Tarmuwa Local Government Agricultural Department, visited the scene alongside members of the local vigilante group.
“During the operation in the bush, the team of officers recovered large heaps of firewood from the suspects at the scene.”
Police authorities warned that such activities pose serious environmental risks, contributing to land degradation and the steady advance of desert conditions across 11 local government areas of the state.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police said further updates will be provided before the suspects are arraigned in court.
The command also called on residents and community leaders to report cases of environmental abuse and land degradation, stressing that strict penalties would be enforced to safeguard trees and natural resources and curb the spread of desertification.
