NSCDC: Arrests 9 Zamfara School Vandals for Tsageru Theft

• The NSCDC Zamfara Command arrested nine suspects for vandalizing and stealing roofing zinc from Tsageru Primary School in Tsafe LGA.
• The suspects confessed to removing roofing from three classrooms between September 5 and 8, with estimated damages totaling N4.5 million.
• They admitted attempting to bribe local traditional rulers, who rejected the offer and warned them against the act.
• The motive for the theft was to sell the zinc to pay levies for farmland access during cultivation.
• In a separate operation, the NSCDC also arrested a 58-year-old man for drug dealing, recovering 112 wraps of cannabis.

The NSCDC has publicly reiterated its "zero tolerance for criminality and economic sabotage" across the state.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Zamfara Command recently announced the apprehension of nine individuals implicated in the vandalism and theft of roofing materials from Tsageru Primary School. This significant NSCDC Zamfara Command arrests operation targets a specific instance of public property destruction within the Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA). The Head of Public Relations for the Command, ASC Umar Muhammad, disclosed these details during a press briefing held in Gusau on Monday, emphasizing the agency's commitment to safeguarding public assets.

The investigation into the Tsageru Primary School roofing theft commenced following a report from Mr. Abdulrahman Aliyu, the Education Secretary for Tsafe LGA. Acting swiftly on this information, NSCDC operatives on September 8, at approximately 3:02 p.m., apprehended Alhaji Haruna Amadu, a 55-year-old resident of Tsageru village. During questioning, Amadu identified eight other individuals as his accomplices in the crime, leading to their subsequent arrest.

Preliminary inquiries revealed that between September 5 and 8, the group conspired to strip roofing zinc from three classrooms at the primary school. The arrested suspects, in addition to Alhaji Haruna Amadu, include Aliyu Aliyu (40), Isah Umar (40), Hassan Shehu (35), Garba Ibrahim (60), Ibrahim Lawali (55), Abdullahi Usman (35), Abubakar Ibrahim (45), and Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu (40). All nine individuals have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the act of vandalism.

Further confessions from the suspects unveiled an attempt to corrupt local authorities. They admitted to offering bribes to the District Head, Sarkin Gabas Aliyu, and the Village Head, Magaji Kabiru Salisu, in an effort to circumvent consequences for their actions. Both traditional rulers, however, commendably rejected these illicit overtures and issued stern warnings against such behavior. The individuals also confirmed that their actions were carried out without any authorization or consent from the Zamfara Universal Basic Education Board, underscoring the illegal nature of the Tsageru Primary School roofing theft.

The motive behind this Tsafe LGA school property crime was reportedly to generate funds. The suspects confessed their intention to sell the stolen zinc to pay levies required for accessing farmlands during the cultivation period. This economic driver, however, does not mitigate the severity of the damage inflicted. The NSCDC has estimated the cost of repairing the three vandalized classrooms at N4.5 million, highlighting the significant financial impact of such acts on public resources.

The NSCDC Zamfara Command has confirmed that the nine suspects involved in this case will face arraignment before a competent court for prosecution. This action underscores the agency's firm stance on Nigeria infrastructure vandalism prosecution and its broader mission of Zamfara public property protection. The State Commandant, CC Sani Mustapha, has directed that these individuals be brought to justice, signaling a robust enforcement environment against those who damage public assets.

Beyond the school vandalism case, the NSCDC Zamfara Command demonstrated its diverse enforcement capabilities with a separate operation. On September 10, at approximately 11:30 p.m., operatives apprehended Mr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, 58, at his shop located in the Bakin Tasha area of Birnin Magaji LGA. Okonkwo, who claimed to have operated a chemist for over two decades, confessed to engaging in hard drug dealing.

This drug-related arrest involved two alleged accomplices, identified as Yellow and Sadiq, who remain at large. Authorities recovered 112 wraps of cannabis, also known as marijuana, from Okonkwo's premises. Following his apprehension, State Commandant CC Sani Mustapha directed that Mr. Okonkwo be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for comprehensive investigation and appropriate legal action.

The NSCDC has publicly reiterated its "zero tolerance for criminality and economic sabotage" across the state. The agency has pledged to continue its vigilant efforts in protecting public infrastructure and ensuring the security of communities throughout Zamfara. These recent arrests, particularly the NSCDC arrests nine Zamfara school vandals, exemplify the command's proactive approach to upholding law and order and safeguarding vital public assets.

This case highlights the active enforcement by the NSCDC against infrastructure vandalism and economic sabotage in Zamfara, signaling increased legal risk for individuals or entities involved in such activities. Lawyers should be aware of the robust prosecution of these offenses, including attempted bribery, and advise clients on compliance and the protection of public assets.

Source: Original reporting via News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)