The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects over offences of vandalism and theft of roofing zinc from a public primary school in Zamfara State.
The vandals identified as 55-year-old Haruna Amadu, Aliyu Aliyu, 40; Isah Umar, 40; Hassan Shehu, 35; Garba Ibrahim, 60; Ibrahim Lawali, 55; Abdullahi Usman, 35; Abubakar Ibrahim, 45; and Abubakar Aliyu, 40 were apprehended after one of them was arrested and allegedly provided information that led operatives to the other eight.
NSCDC investigators on Monday said the group, removed roofing sheets from classrooms and planned to sell them to raise money for farming-related levies during the incident which occurred at Tsageru Primary School in Tsafe Local Government Area between September 5 and 8, 2026.
NSCDC spokesman in Zamfara, Umar Muhammad, during a briefing in Gusau enforcement followed a complaint lodged by the Education Secretary of Tsafe Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Aliyu.
Muhammad said the suspects admitted removing roofing zinc from three classrooms without authorisation from the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board. The damage to the affected classrooms was estimated at N4.5 million.
He added that the suspects also attempted to bribe the District Head, Sarkin Gabas Aliyu, and the Village Head, Magaji Salisu, but both traditional rulers rejected the offer and cautioned them against the alleged offence.
He said the suspects explained during questioning that they intended to dispose of the stolen materials and use the proceeds to settle levies required to gain access to farmland during the farming season.
The nine suspects linked to the school vandalism are expected to face prosecution before a competent court.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public assets and tackling activities it considers criminal and economically damaging across Zamfara State.