Officials from the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), with support from the State Police Command, have arrested four individuals for illegally cutting down trees with a chainsaw for timber production.
The arrests were made in line with state laws prohibiting unauthorized tree felling.
Reports indicate that the suspects were apprehended in Nahuta village along the Darazo-Bauchi Federal Highway during a routine surveillance operation led by the agency’s Director General, Dr. Mahmud Bose, to enforce environmental regulations.
Speaking to journalists, Dr. Bose stated that he encountered the individuals while traveling along the highway as part of his surveillance duties.
Without disclosing his identity, he engaged them in conversation to understand their activities.
“I discreetly stepped away to place a call, requesting police support from the Darazo Division,” he explained. “I also informed the Chairman of Darazo Local Government Council about the situation, and he later arrived at the scene.”
Dr. Bose further stated that the offenders only realized the seriousness of their actions when the police arrived. They were subsequently arrested and taken into police custody.
Speaking with our correspondent, the leader of the group—who, along with the others, hails from Gombe State—claimed that he had purchased the tree from a land vendor in Nahuta village, intending to cut it down and process it into timber for commercial purposes.
He acknowledged that tree felling is illegal and expressed regret over his actions, noting that this was his first time being arrested.
As of the time of this report, the four suspects remain in police custody in Darazo, where they are undergoing investigation and may face prosecution under the applicable laws.