Federal Gov’t Recovers N21bn, Neutralises 78 Terrorists, Saves N319bn — NOA DG

The Federal Government has unveiled a series of achievements in its nationwide security and anti-corruption efforts, announcing the recovery of over N21 billion, killing of 78 terrorists and the prevention of losses exceeding N319 billion in fire-related disasters.

Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu made this known during the August edition of the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu commended the coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, “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 stated that the Nigeria Police Force carried out 326 operations, resulting in 2,109 arrests and the rescue of multiple kidnap victims.

Additionally, he said six arms-trafficking rings were dismantled, and 78 terrorists neutralised during ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

According to the NOA boss, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) continued its aggressive crackdown on drug trafficking, conducting 1,572 raids and seizing 2.9 million kilograms of narcotics, including 520 kg of tramadol and 7.35 kg of methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) successfully resolved 720 community conflicts, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported 2,838 road fatalities.

He emphasised that drugs and illegal arms remain the “oxygen of criminality” as security agencies recovered 12 AK-47 rifles, two GPMGs, and over 2,200 rounds of ammunition.

“NAFDAC also seized 10 containers of tramadol and five containers of expired tomato paste, further tightening the net on harmful imports,” he added.

Issa-Onilu also noted that efforts to bolster border security led to the rescue of 82 victims of human trafficking and the repatriation of 495 persons.

He disclosed that the Nigeria Immigration Service issued 3,786 e-visas, facilitated the return of 214 Nigerians from the Niger Republic, and received 110 deportees from Saudi Arabia for visa violations. “Our borders are no longer gateways to crime; they are now barriers to exploitation and trafficking,” he affirmed.

He further disclosed that the NSCDC also dismantled 12 illegal refineries, three illegal mining gangs, and seven oil theft trucks, while the Nigerian Navy recovered petroleum products worth N752.2 million.

Also, the Federal Fire Service reported saving N319.5 billion in assets during fire disasters and improving emergency response times by 33 percent.

“Every drop of stolen oil, every illegal refinery, and every tampered railway track is an attack on our economy. We must defend our infrastructure as we defend our homes,” he said.

On the humanitarian front, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provided relief to 42 rescued Boko Haram captives and supported flood victims across 15 states.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) engaged over 209,000 citizens through 352 anti-corruption events, while the NOA countered misinformation with 87 government press advisories.

The ICPC recovered N21 billion and $1 million, while Nigeria made significant progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, marking an improvement in global anti-money laundering standards.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) rehabilitated 15,000 inmates, with 800 enrolling in university programmes.

He noted that, “Security is not only boots on the ground; it’s also food on tables, public trust, and youth empowerment,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He urged Nigerians to report threats and suspicious activities, reject drug and arms trafficking, avoid irregular migration, follow legal channels, protect critical infrastructure, participate in civic education and anti-corruption campaigns, and support the reintegration of rehabilitated offenders.

The NOA DG emphasised that security is a collective responsibility. “Today, we reaffirm that national security is our shared duty. Our gallant men and women in uniform 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.