Man nabbed for vandalising Jigawa forest fence

Authorities in Jigawa State have arrested a 46-year-old man suspected of vandalizing the perimeter fence of the Great Green Wall at the Gabasmari Forest Reserve. The incident occurred in Birniwa Local Government Area and is part of a recent increase in attacks on public property across the state.

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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.

The suspect, Abdullahi Muhammad, was apprehended by NSCDC operatives following credible intelligence and community collaboration. Preliminary investigations indicate he damaged about 10 meters of fencing wire. This fence is a crucial component of the Great Green Wall Project, an initiative established seven years ago to combat desertification and protect forest ecosystems.

The forest reserve is managed by the Forestry Department of the Jigawa State Ministry of Environment. The NSCDC State Commandant, Muhammad Ingawa, condemned the act, describing the vandalism of environmental infrastructure as a direct assault on government investments and national efforts against climate change and desert encroachment.

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

Commandant Ingawa commended the NSCDC personnel and the community members, including a local farmer and the Birniwa Zonal Forestry Officer, for their prompt action. He stressed the importance of community partnership in safeguarding public assets and preserving the nation's environmental resources, highlighting the success of this collaborative effort.

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The suspect allegedly vandalised approximately 10 metres of fencing wire protecting the Gabasmari Forest Reserve.