Man arrested for damaging Jigawa forest fence

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command, has arrested a 46-year-old man for damaging the fence of the Great Green Wall at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area.

PUNCH Metro reports that this comes at a time when there are rising attacks on public property in the state. Recent reports show cases of stolen roofing sheets, wires, and armoured cables 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 to journalists in Dutse, the state capital.

According to the PRO, the suspect, Abdullahi Muhammad from Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was caught on Saturday around 11:50am by alert NSCDC operatives.

He said the operation was successful due to reliable information and support from the community.

“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 stated.

“Preliminary investigation showed that the suspect allegedly damaged about 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve,” the PRO said.

He added that the damaged fence is part of a major environmental protection project.

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

The NSCDC spokesperson mentioned that the reserve is run by the state government.

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

In response, the State Commandant, Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the recent rise in vandalism.

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

The Commandant praised his staff and the public for their cooperation.

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

Ingawa highlighted the need for collective action in protecting public assets.

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

The Jigawa NSCDC Command also warned that it would continue its efforts against vandals.

“The Command will not back down in its determination to find, arrest, investigate, and prosecute those involved in damaging Critical National Assets and Infrastructure,” the statement read.

The PRO urged residents across the state to stay alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or other security agencies.

Providing an update on the investigation, he said, “The suspect is currently with the Corps, while investigations are ongoing to see if others were involved. He will face court charges once the investigation is complete,” Tijjani said.

“The NSCDC Jigawa State Command reaffirms its strong commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. It calls on all citizens to assist security agencies by giving timely and credible information to help safeguard public property and enhance national security,” the PRO added.