NSCDC Jigawa Apprehends Former Student for Laboratory Equipment Theft
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa State has achieved another notable breakthrough through its Safe School supervision and security coordination program. This success involves the arrest of a suspected thief who attempted to pilfer laboratory equipment from an educational facility in Dutse.
Official Statement Details the Incident
ASC Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, the Public Relations Officer for the Jigawa State Command, released a statement on Thursday, March 12, 2026, providing comprehensive details about the case. According to Mahmud, the suspect, identified as Aliyu Musa, a 22-year-old resident of the Zai Rankwace area in Dutse, Jigawa State, was captured by NSCDC personnel. This action followed a formal complaint from school authorities regarding repeated thefts of laboratory equipment and other valuable items from the institution.
Suspect's Background and Arrest Circumstances
Preliminary investigations uncovered that the suspect, a former Labour Prefect of the school who graduated during the 2024 academic session, was arrested while trying to remove five microscopes from the school's main laboratory, as stated in the official release. Further reports from the school management indicated that several laboratory items had previously vanished under suspicious conditions, raising concerns about ongoing criminal activities.
Inventory of Missing Equipment
The list of missing items includes:
- Ten conical flasks
- Ten microscopes
- One desiccation jar
- Ten laboratory lamps
- Two washing bottles
- Two gas cylinders (6kg and 3kg respectively)
The timely intervention of NSCDC operatives, operating under the Safe School security arrangement, played a crucial role in halting the continued vandalism and theft of essential educational facilities within the institution.
Commitment to Safe School Initiative
The Jigawa State Commandant of the Corps reaffirmed that the Safe School initiative serves as a strategic security framework designed to protect school environments, safeguard critical educational infrastructure, and ensure that students and staff can operate in a safe and secure learning atmosphere across the state. He emphasized that the Corps will continue to deploy personnel and enhance surveillance around schools to prevent criminal activities that could disrupt the education sector.
Legal Actions and Warnings
The Command issued a stern warning to individuals with criminal intentions, urging them to stay away from school facilities and stressing that the Corps will not hesitate to bring perpetrators to justice. The suspect has been charged with offences of criminal trespass and theft and has been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Ongoing Collaboration for Security
The NSCDC Jigawa State Command remains dedicated to working closely with school authorities, community stakeholders, and other security agencies to ensure that all educational institutions in the state remain safe, secure, and conducive for learning. This collaborative effort aims to foster an environment where education can thrive without the threat of theft or vandalism.
