Police arrest 26 for illegal tree cutting in Yobe
Several individuals have been arrested by the Yobe State Police Command for allegedly participating in illegal tree felling in Tarmuwa Local Government Area. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the suspects were detained after a complaint from local authorities. The arrests were made on February 2, 2026, following reports of unauthorised tree cutting in Garaji village. The police highlighted the environmental risks posed by such activities, especially as desertification affects many local government areas in the state.
What happened
- SP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed that 26 suspects were arrested for illegal tree felling in Garaji village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
- The arrests occurred on February 2, 2026, after a complaint was lodged by Habu Mandadawa, Supervisor of the Tarmuwa Local Government Agricultural Department.
- The suspects, all male residents of Damaturu Local Government Area, allegedly cut down trees without approval from local officials.
- Police, with support from a local vigilante group, recovered large heaps of firewood at the scene.
- The police stated that the illegal activity contributes to desertification, which has already impacted at least 11 local government areas, including Geidam, Machina, Bursari, Fune, Yunusari, and Tarmuwa.
