Yobe police arrest 26 persons for illegal tree felling, desertification in Tarmuwa LGA
By: Zagazola Makama
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested 26 individuals for criminal conspiracy, unlawful felling of trees, and deliberate desertification in the bush area of Garaji village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area.
According to sources the suspects, all male residents of Damaturu LGA, allegedly went into the bush on 02/02/2026 and cut down a large number of trees without the knowledge or approval of the local government authorities.
The act was described as deliberate and in violation of Yobe State laws that prohibit felling of trees to prevent desertification.
The police, acting on a complaint by Habu Mandadawa, Supervisor of the Tarmuwa Local Government Agricultural Department, visited the scene alongside members of the local vigilante group. During the operation, the officers recovered large quantities of firewood from the suspects at the scene.
The command noted that the illegal activity poses a significant environmental threat, contributing to land degradation and desert encroachment in the state.
Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated, the police said.
The police appealed to residents to report any unlawful environmental destruction to authorities to safeguard natural resources and prevent further desertification.
