The Federal Government on Friday said it recovered over N21 billion, neutralised 78 terrorists, and prevented fire-related losses amounting to more than N319 billion, as part of its ongoing national security and anti-corruption efforts.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Government on Friday said it recovered over N21 billion, neutralised 78 terrorists, and prevented fire-related losses amounting to more than N319 billion, as part of its ongoing national security and anti-corruption efforts.
These disclosures were made during the August edition of the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing held at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the briefing, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised the synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies, describing their operations as decisive and coordinated.
“From the North-East to the Niger Delta, our security forces are reclaiming the peace, one operation at a time. Nigeria is fighting back—decisively and collaboratively,” he said.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force conducted 326 operations across various states, resulting in the arrest of 2,109 suspects and the rescue of several kidnap victims. He also disclosed that six arms trafficking syndicates were busted during the period under review.
He said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensified its crackdown on drug traffickers, carrying out 1,572 raids and confiscating 2.9 million kilograms of narcotics. Among the substances seized were 520 kg of tramadol and 7.35 kg of methamphetamine.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), he said, mediated in 720 community conflicts while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 2,838 road crash fatalities.
Security agencies reportedly recovered 12 AK-47 rifles, two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), and over 2,200 rounds of live ammunition. “Drugs and illegal arms remain the oxygen of criminality,” Issa-Onilu said.
In separate operations, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized 10 containers of tramadol and five containers of expired tomato paste.
Efforts to curb transnational crime led to the rescue of 82 victims of human trafficking and the repatriation of 495 individuals. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) issued 3,786 e-visas, facilitated the return of 214 stranded Nigerians from Niger Republic, and received 110 deportees from Saudi Arabia.
“Our borders are no longer gateways to crime; they are now barriers to exploitation and trafficking,” Issa-Onilu stated.
On economic sabotage, the NSCDC dismantled 12 illegal refineries, three illegal mining gangs, and seven trucks used for oil theft, while the Nigerian Navy recovered petroleum products valued at N752.2 million.
The Federal Fire Service was also said to have saved N319.5 billion worth of assets from fire disasters during the period, with emergency response times improved by 33 percent.
“Every drop of stolen oil, every illegal refinery, and every tampered railway track is an attack on our economy,” the NOA boss warned. “We must defend our infrastructure as we defend our homes.”
On the humanitarian front, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provided support to 42 former captives of Boko Haram and rendered assistance to flood victims in 15 states.
Issa-Onilu said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reached over 209,000 Nigerians through 352 anti-corruption activities, while the NOA countered false narratives with 87 government press advisories.
The ICPC also recovered N21 billion and $1 million in assets, while progress was recorded in Nigeria’s effort to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), according to him, rehabilitated over 15,000 inmates, with 800 of them currently enrolled in various university programmes.
“Security is not only boots on the ground, it’s also food on tables, public trust, and youth empowerment,” Issa-Onilu noted.
He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, shun drugs and arms trafficking, avoid irregular migration, protect public infrastructure, and support the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders.
“Fellow Nigerians, today we reaffirm that national security is our shared duty. Our gallant men and women in uniforms are recording real, measurable gains.
“But security does not start on the battlefield; it begins in our homes, our values, our truthfulness, and our resolve. Let us protect what is ours, stand with our institutions, and unite behind the cause of a peaceful, progressive Nigeria,” he added.
FG Recovers N21bn, Kills 78 Terrorists, Saves N319bn Assets in July – NOA
