NSCDC Arrests 10 Secondary School Graduates Over Alleged Banned “Signed Out” Celebration in Adamawa
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 secondary school graduates over their alleged involvement in a banned “signed out” celebration that authorities say disrupted public order.
According to the command, the suspects were apprehended during an operation carried out by the Safe School Response Squad after intelligence reports indicated that groups of graduating students were engaging in activities considered dangerous and capable of disturbing public peace.
Students Allegedly Engaged in Disruptive Activities
In a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the NSCDC said the operation targeted students linked to Capital School, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Demsawo, Doubelli, and Damilu.
Authorities alleged that participants in the celebrations were involved in:
| Alleged Activities | Authorities’ Concerns |
|---|---|
| Painting their bodies | Public disturbance |
| Tearing school uniforms | Destruction of school property |
| Street fights | Threat to public safety |
| Disorderly conduct | Public nuisance and disruption |
The command said the annual “signed out” celebration has become a growing concern among parents, school administrators, and security agencies due to reports of misconduct associated with the event.
Government Had Earlier Banned the Practice
The NSCDC noted that the Adamawa State Government had previously taken steps to stop the celebration.
According to the statement, the State Ministry of Education issued a directive last year prohibiting the practice after concerns that it was encouraging unruly behaviour among graduating secondary school students.
Officials maintained that despite the ban, some students allegedly proceeded with this year’s celebrations.
Reports of Criminal Activities Triggered Security Operation
The command said this year’s celebration reportedly took a more serious turn after receiving intelligence suggesting that some individuals allegedly used the gathering as an opportunity to commit criminal acts.
Security officials claimed that certain suspects, dressed in school uniforms and blending in with graduating students, allegedly dispossessed members of the public of mobile phones and other valuables during the celebrations.
These reports prompted the deployment of the Safe School Response Squad to prevent further disturbances and identify those involved.
Investigation Reveals Some Arrested Were Not Final-Year Students
During the operation, investigators reportedly discovered that not everyone arrested was a graduating student.
According to the NSCDC:
- One suspect was allegedly wearing a school uniform despite not being a student.
- Some of those arrested were reportedly in SS1 and SS2 rather than being final-year students as initially believed.
- Authorities are working to determine each suspect’s identity and level of involvement.
The command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
NSCDC Orders Comprehensive Investigation
Adamawa State Commandant, CC Nasiru Saleh, has directed that a full investigation be conducted to uncover everyone connected to the alleged activities.
The investigation is expected to determine:
| Focus of Investigation | Objective |
|---|---|
| Identity of suspects | Verify students and non-students involved |
| Criminal allegations | Determine if theft or other offences occurred |
| Additional participants | Identify anyone who escaped arrest |
| School involvement | Work with schools to verify identities |
Security Agency Warns Against Future Violations
The NSCDC reiterated that it would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting academic activities or threatening public safety.
The command also directed its Safe School Response Squad to strengthen collaboration with school authorities, parents, and other stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
Authorities added that they are continuing to work closely with the affected schools to verify the identities of all individuals involved as investigations progress.
