By Abigail David
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 secondary school students in Adamawa State over their alleged involvement in the banned “Signed Out” celebration, a final-year school tradition authorities say has become a public safety concern.
The arrests were carried out by the NSCDC Safe School Response Squad following intelligence reports linking students from Capital School, GDSS Demsawo, Doubelli and Damilu to activities that allegedly disrupted public order.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the suspects were accused of painting their bodies, tearing school uniforms, engaging in street fights and participating in other acts considered capable of causing public nuisance.
The command said the Adamawa State Ministry of Education banned the “Signed Out” celebration in 2025 due to increasing concerns over violence, misconduct and disorder associated with the event.
The NSCDC also disclosed that this year’s celebration allegedly involved more serious incidents, including reports that some participants disguised themselves in suspicious outfits and robbed members of the public of mobile phones and other valuables.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one person arrested in a school uniform was not a student, while some of those apprehended were in SS1 and SS2 rather than final-year classes.
State Commandant CC Nasiru Saleh has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify everyone involved and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. He also directed the Safe School Response Squad to strengthen collaboration with schools and other stakeholders to prevent similar occurrences and promote a safe learning environment.
The command said it is working with the affected schools to verify the identities of all those linked to the incident.
