The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 10 secondary school graduates for allegedly participating in the banned final-year celebration known as 'signed out'. The arrests were made by the command's Safe School Response Squad following intelligence reports of disruptive activities involving students from Capital School, GDSS Demsawo, Doubelli, and Damilu.
Details of the Arrests
According to a statement by the command's Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the suspects were caught engaging in activities such as painting their bodies, tearing their school uniforms, and participating in street fights. These actions were deemed capable of disrupting public peace and order.
The statement highlighted that the trend had become a growing concern for parents, school authorities, and the general public. The Adamawa State Government, through the State Ministry of Education, had issued a directive against the practice last year. Despite the ban, this year's activities took a dangerous turn as some individuals allegedly dressed in a criminal style to dispossess members of the public of their mobile phones and other valuables.
Non-Students Among Those Arrested
During the operation, one person arrested was found wearing a school uniform but was reportedly not a student. The command also discovered that some of those arrested were not final-year students, as initially presumed, but were still in SS1 and SS2. The State Commandant, CC Nasiru Saleh, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the activities and to identify other persons who may have been involved.
The statement reiterated that the command would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of academic activities, threatening public safety, or undermining the security and wellbeing of students and members of the public.
Preventive Measures
Commandant Saleh directed the Safe School Response Squad to intensify its engagement with school authorities and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures. The goal is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for teaching and learning. The command is also working with relevant school authorities to establish the identities of students and other individuals involved in the activities.
