The Federal Government has announced the recovery of over ₦21 billion, the elimination of 78 terrorists, and the prevention of losses worth more than ₦319 billion in recent security and anti-corruption efforts.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), made the revelations during the August edition of the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing held at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu praised the unified efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, saying, “From the North-East to the Niger Delta, our forces are steadily restoring peace through persistent operations. Nigeria is responding firmly and with strong cooperation.”
The NOA Director General reported that the Nigerian Police conducted 326 missions, resulting in 2,109 arrests and the rescue of several kidnapping victims. Additionally, six arms trafficking networks were dismantled, and 78 terrorists were eliminated in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
According to him, “The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) maintained a vigorous campaign against drug trafficking, carrying out 1,572 operations that resulted in the confiscation of 2.9 million kilograms of narcotics, including 520 kg of tramadol and 7.35 kg of methamphetamine.”
At the same time, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) successfully mediated 720 community disputes, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 2,838 deaths from road accidents.
The government highlighted that drugs and illegal weapons continue to fuel criminal activities. Security forces seized 12 AK-47 rifles, two general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), and more than 2,200 rounds of ammunition.
Issa-Onilu added that NAFDAC intercepted 10 containers of tramadol and five containers of expired tomato paste, stepping up efforts to block harmful imports.
Border security initiatives also resulted in the rescue of 82 human trafficking victims and the repatriation of 495 individuals.
The Nigeria Immigration Service processed 3,786 e-visas, assisted in the return of 214 Nigerians from the Niger Republic, and handled the deportation of 110 people from Saudi Arabia due to visa violations.
“Our borders are no longer entry points for crime; they now serve as strongholds against exploitation and trafficking,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NSCDC also shut down 12 illegal refineries, dismantled three illicit mining groups, and confiscated seven trucks used for oil theft. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Navy recovered petroleum products valued at ₦752.2 million.
The Federal Fire Service reported safeguarding assets worth ₦319.5 billion during fire incidents and improving their emergency response time by one-third.
“Every barrel of stolen oil, every unauthorised refinery, and every compromised railway track damages our economy,” the NOA Director General emphasised. “Protecting our infrastructure is as vital as safeguarding our homes.”
On the humanitarian side, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) assisted 42 individuals rescued from Boko Haram captivity and supported flood victims in 15 states.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reached over 209,000 people through 352 anti-corruption activities, while NOA countered misinformation by issuing 87 official government advisories.
The ICPC recovered ₦21 billion and $1 million as Nigeria made significant progress toward removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, signalling advances in meeting global anti-money laundering standards.
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) rehabilitated 15,000 inmates, with 800 of them enrolling in higher education programs.
“Security is more than just having forces on the ground; it’s about providing for families, building trust, and empowering the youth,” Issa-Onilu remarked.
The federal government called on citizens to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities, rejecting drug and arms trafficking, avoiding irregular migration by following legal procedures, safeguarding key infrastructure, participating in civic education and anti-corruption drives, and supporting the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders.
The NOA DG stressed that security is a responsibility shared by all Nigerians.
“Today, we renew our commitment to national security as a collective mission. Our brave security personnel are making tangible progress.
“However, security does not begin on the battlefield it starts within our homes, rooted in our values, honesty, and determination. Let us stand firm to protect our nation, support our institutions, and unite for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
