A 46-year-old man has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State for allegedly vandalising the perimeter fence of the Great Green Wall at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve in Birniwa Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Muhammad from Kasaaga Village in Guri Local Government Area, was apprehended around 11:50 a.m. on Saturday following intelligence reports and the coordinated efforts of local residents and forestry officials.
According to the NSCDC, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly damaged and removed about 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the forest reserve.
The fence was installed approximately seven years ago under the Great Green Wall Project, a government-backed environmental initiative aimed at combating desertification and safeguarding forest ecosystems.
The agency credited a local farmer and the Birniwa Zonal Forestry Officer for providing timely information that led to the arrest.
Reacting to the incident, the Jigawa State Commandant of the NSCDC, Muhammad Ingawa, described the destruction of environmental infrastructure as an attack on government investments and national efforts to tackle climate change and environmental degradation.
Inside Jigawa state:
Suspected Electric Cable Thief Dies in Jigawa
Vandals Overpower Guards, Steal Transformer Cable in Jigawa School
Seven Dead, Jigawa Council Chairman Injured in Hadejia Road Crash
He also praised the professionalism of NSCDC personnel and the vigilance of community members, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in protecting critical national assets.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure across the state.
The suspect remains in NSCDC custody while investigations continue to determine whether others were involved. Authorities said he will be charged in court once the investigation is concluded.
About The Author
