Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies sustained what has been described as a “high operational tempo” in August 2025, with the Army executing 261 operations, the Police making 1,950 arrests, the NDLEA seizing over 66,000kg of narcotics, while anti-graft agencies recovered billions of naira, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has disclosed.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies sustained what has been described as a “high operational tempo” in August 2025, with the Army executing 261 operations, the Police making 1,950 arrests, the NDLEA seizing over 66,000kg of narcotics, while anti-graft agencies recovered billions of naira, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has disclosed.
Speaking at the second edition of the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing (JSPB) in Abuja on Monday, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the briefing was conceived to keep Nigerians fully informed about government efforts in tackling insecurity, economic sabotage, and related threats.
“Our security forces, intelligence agencies and other paramilitary organisations are fully mobilised for the task of curbing insecurity. I can tell you categorically that we are making tremendous progress in that regard,” Issa-Onilu declared.
According to him, the August report showed: “Army: 261 operations nationwide, including successful strikes on terror groups.
”Police: 1,950 arrests, 141 victims rescued, 111 firearms recovered.
”NDLEA: 66,255.81kg of narcotics seized, 944 arrests, 48 new vehicles deployed.
”EFCC/ICPC: 588 convictions, over ₦21.06bn recovered; preventive anti-corruption units set up in MDAs.
”NAFDAC: 17 containers of falsified goods seized, including tomato paste and banned drugs.
”Immigration: 10,803 visas approved with targeted rejections, 50 trafficking victims rescued.
“These results reflect positive outcomes from tighter inter-agency coordination, stronger intelligence-led actions, and expanded public-facing communication to counter misinformation in line with Presidential directives,” he stressed.
Issa-Onilu noted that coordinated military pressure was “shrinking terror room for maneuver,” pointing to the neutralisation of 30 terrorists in Zamfara and the surrender of 76 insurgents in Borno.
“Our troops are degrading terror logistics and protecting communities and commuters. Citizens’ tips are turning into lifesaving operations,” he added.
He explained that intelligence-led crackdowns led to the arrest of a female arms trafficker in Zamfara, the capture of leaders of Ansaru and Mahmuda groups, and the rescue of a Taraba lecturer.
“When intelligence meets joint action, kidnap syndicates and gun-running pipelines fail,” the NOA boss said.
Policing and community trust:
The Police dismantled 37 gangs, issued 278 press releases, and upgraded five stations in Benue.
“Targeted raids are reducing cultism, violence, and trafficking,” Issa-Onilu told journalists.
On drugs and food safety, he noted that the NDLEA’s seizures were accompanied by rehabilitation for 854 drug users, while NAFDAC intensified its clampdown on unsafe imports.
“Every seized container is a family protected from harm,” Issa-Onilu affirmed.
The DG revealed that the
EFCC and ICPC combined enforcement with preventive measures, while NOA launched Citizens’ Values Brigades in schools.
“This government is recovering funds, reforming systems, and raising a generation that rejects graft,” he insisted.
He further disclosed that the
Immigration Service repatriated 368 Nigerians and 105 foreigners, intercepted 50 trafficking victims, and blocked irregular migrants.
On the sensitive issue of casualty figures, Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, who represented the Defence Headquarters, cautioned against indiscriminate disclosure.
“Anything we say here the enemies will also use either for war or against the Nigerian state. As defence correspondents, let your guiding principle be: will this undermine national security?” he warned.
Also responding, Victoria Akudu, Assistant Director of Public Relations, NAFDAC, urged Nigerians to verify product numbers through the “NAFDAC Green Book.”
“If you type the number and the name of the product you are not sure about, the book will give the registration detail… And if you are not satisfied, go to the nearest NAFDAC office with that product,” she said.
Issa-Onilu concluded by urging citizens to engage with verified NOA and security platforms, avoid spreading rumours, and “play their part in securing our nation.”
Nigeria’s Security Forces Record Major Gains in August – NOA Boss
