The Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Malam Issa-Onilu, has lauded the achievements of security agencies and other government departments in their mandate
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Director-General of National Orientation Agency, Malam Issa-Onilu, has lauded the achievements of security agencies and other government departments in their mandate delivery between June and July.
Issa-Onilu gave the commendation at the August joint security briefing in Abuja.
According to him, from the Northeast to the Niger Delta, the country’s security forces are reclaiming peace, one operation at a time; Nigeria is fighting back decisively and collaboratively.
“In 326 operations by the Nigeria Police, 2,109 criminals were arrested, 175 kidnapped victims rescued, 78 terrorists neutralised and six arms trafficking rings dismantled.
“Similarly, in 1,572 raids conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), 2.9 million kg of narcotics were seized, and 720 conflicts resolved by Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“The Federal Government has escalated security operations nationwide, merging tactical enforcement with intelligence-led intervention. Banditry, insurgency, trafficking and other crimes are being tackled through seamless inter-agency cooperation.
“We urged citizens to reports threats, avoid amplifying unverified content and join hands with authorities to protect our communities, “Issa-Onilu said.
He explained that, within the months under review, various arms and ammunition were recovered, and National Agency for Food Drug and Administration Control (NAFDAC) seized ten containers of tramadol and expired tomato paste.
The NOA boss noted that drug and illegal arms are the oxygen of criminality, adding that the federal enforcement agencies were systematically disabling such supply chains on our highways, borders and in markets.
Issa-Onilu called on Nigerians to say no to drugs, report peddlers and support reform users, stressing that communities were the front line in this war.
“However, through international partnerships and domestic vigilance, Nigeria is retooling its border and migration systems to block irregular migration and human trafficking.
”Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) is also driving identity governance with support from UN and ECOWAS.
“Our borders are no longer gateways to crimes; they are now barriers to exploitation and trafficking. Avoid irregular migration. Trust NOA and NIS for guidance on legal mobility options,” he advised.
On the protection of critical infrastructure and natural resources, he said the NSCDC within the months under review, dismantled a total of 12 illegal refineries, three mining gangs, seven oil theft trucks and seized N752.2 million worth of stolen petroleum products.
He added that the Federal Fire Service saved N319.5 billion in fire disaster and also improve response time by 33 per cent.
”Protecting oil pipeline, roads, power lines and mines is not just security, it is economic survival. Through surveillance and arrests, Nigeria is regaining control of its strategic assets.
“Every drop of stolen oil, every illegal refinery and every tempered railway tracks are an attack on our economy. We must defend our national infrastructure as we defend our homes.
“Community leaders and youths must defend their environments. Sabotage destroys livelihoods and delay national growth and development,” Issa-Onilu stressed.
He further said National Emergency Management Agency had supported 42 rescued Boko Haram captives and many flood victims across the country.
He also said that, while Independent Corruption Practices Commission hosted 352 anti-corruption events reaching 209,339 citizens, NOA-led misinformation countering supported by 87 government press advisories.
“Security is not only boots on ground; it is also food on table, public trust, and youth empowerment. From flood alerts to deradicalisation, the government is responding to citizens’ need with urgency and compassion.
“We are not just securing Nigeria, we are building it with values, compassion and vigilance.
“Please, always verify information before sharing. Join NOA’s civic campaigns. Let’s build a safer and saner society together.
“Institutional reforms are deepening transparency, financial integrity and international credibility. Support whistleblowing and anti-corruption reforms.
“National Security is our shared duty. Our gallant men and women in uniforms are recording real measurable gains. But society does not start in a battlefield, it begins in our homes, values and truthfulness,” Issa-Onilu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)