The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Adamawa State Command, has arrested 10 secondary school students over alleged involvement in public nuisance, assault and suspected theft during celebrations marking the completion of their final secondary school examinations, popularly known as “Signed Out.”
The suspects were apprehended by the Command’s Safe School Response Squad following reports of disorderly conduct by students from Capital School, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Demsawo, Doubelli and Damilu.
According to the NSCDC, the students allegedly engaged in painting their bodies, tearing their school uniforms, fighting openly on the streets and other acts considered capable of disrupting public peace and order.
The Command said the annual “Signed Out” celebrations have become a growing source of concern for parents, school authorities and the public, noting that the Adamawa State Government had last year prohibited the practice through a directive issued by the Ministry of Education.
It, however, observed that this year’s celebrations took a more troubling turn following reports that some persons participating in the activities allegedly dispossessed unsuspecting members of the public of mobile phones and other valuables.
The NSCDC disclosed that one of those arrested was found wearing a school uniform but was allegedly not a student, while investigations also revealed that some of the suspects were not final-year students as initially believed but were in SS1 and SS2.
State Commandant of the NSCDC in Adamawa, Nasiru Saleh, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents and identify other individuals who may have participated.
Saleh warned that the Command would not tolerate any act capable of disrupting academic activities, endangering public safety or threatening the security and well-being of students and residents.
He also directed the Safe School Response Squad to intensify collaboration with school authorities and other stakeholders to strengthen preventive measures and ensure schools remain safe and conducive for learning.
The Command said it is working closely with school authorities to verify the identities of all those involved, adding that anyone found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NSCDC urged parents and guardians to counsel their children against engaging in activities that could expose them to criminality or jeopardise their future, while calling on school authorities, community leaders and members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around schools and public places.
Saleh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting schools, maintaining public order and safeguarding students, teachers and communities from acts of criminality.
He further advised students to celebrate the completion of their examinations responsibly, stressing that attaining an academic milestone should be marked with dignity and gratitude rather than violence, intimidation, vandalism or other unlawful acts.
