The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command, has arrested nine suspects over the alleged vandalism and theft of roofing sheets at Tsageru Primary School in Tsafe Local Government Area.
According to the command, the suspects allegedly conspired to remove roofing sheets from a three-classroom block between September 5 and September 8, 2026. The estimated cost of damage was put at ₦4.5 million.
The command said the first suspect was arrested on September 8 and subsequently identified eight other alleged accomplices. Preliminary investigations, according to the NSCDC, showed that the suspects confessed to the offence and admitted acting without the knowledge of the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB).
The suspects also allegedly attempted to bribe the district head, Sarkin Gabas Aliyu, and the village head, Magaji Kabiru Salisu. The traditional leaders reportedly rejected the offer and advised them against the act.
The NSCDC said the suspects claimed they intended to sell the stolen roofing materials and use the proceeds to pay levies for access to farmland during the cultivation season.
In a separate operation, the command arrested a 58-year-old chemist operator in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area over alleged illegal dealings in cannabis, tramadol, diazepam and Exol 5.
A search of his premises reportedly led to the recovery of 112 packs of cannabis, 1,160 tablets of Exol 5, 14 sachets of tramadol and 133 tablets of diazepam.
The NSCDC said the suspect confessed to working with two accomplices, identified as Yellow and Sadiq, who are currently at large. The suspect has been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and necessary action.
The nine suspects arrested over the school vandalism are expected to be arraigned before a competent court, while the NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling vandalism, criminality and other unlawful activities across Zamfara State.
