The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has launched the maiden edition of the National Joint Security Press Briefing to enhance inter-agency coordination and strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework.
He urged citizens to report threats, avoid spreading unverified information, and work with authorities to safeguard communities.
Speaking at the NOA headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Issa-Onilu declared that Nigeria’s borders, once regarded as crime corridors, have now become formidable barriers against human trafficking, arms smuggling, and other transnational crimes.
Held under the theme “Disrupting Criminal Networks and Securing Communities,” the briefing showcased achievements by security agencies and reinforced the government’s commitment to collaborative enforcement.
Issa-Onilu said: “326 Nigeria Police operations 2,109 arrests, 175 kidnap victims rescued, 78 terrorists neutralized: 6 arms trafficking rings dismantled. 1.572 NDLEA raids 2.9 million kg of narcotics seized.
“720 conflicts resolved by NSCDC: 2.838 road fatalities recorded by FRSC. The Federal Government has escalated security operations nationwide-merging tactical enforcement with intelligence-led interventions.
“Banditry, insurgency, trafficking, and other crimes are being tackled through seamless inter-agency cooperation, resulting in major arrests, rescues, and asset seizures.
“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.
“We urge citizens to report threats, avoid amplifying unverified content, and join hands with authorities to protect our communities.”
Highlighting a renewed approach to border and migration control, Issa-Onilu noted that 82 victims of human trafficking had been rescued, while 495 irregular migrants were repatriated. “Borders are no longer gateways to crime. They are now barriers to exploitation and trafficking.”
According to him,“The Nigeria Immigration Service also issued 3,786 e-visas and facilitated the return of 214 Nigerians from Niger Republic and 110 deported from Saudi Arabia.
“A total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), and over 2,200 rounds of ammunition were recovered during operations targeting arms proliferation.
“Additionally, NAFDAC intercepted 10 containers of tramadol and five of expired tomato paste, reflecting a clampdown on illicit pharmaceutical imports.
The Director General also addressed threats to national assets under the theme “Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Natural Resources.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dismantled 12 illegal refineries, three illegal mining gangs, and seven trucks used for oil theft. The Nigerian Navy seized ₦752.2 million worth of stolen petroleum products.
NOA added, “Every illegal refinery and tampered railway track is an attack on our economy,” He commended security agencies for their humanitarian response.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) supported flood victims and rehabilitated Boko Haram escapees across more than 15 states.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) held 352 anti-corruption events, reaching over 200,000 citizens. NOA has also led over 80 campaigns against misinformation, urging Nigerians to verify content before sharing.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Correctional Service reported the rehabilitation of 15,000 inmates, with 800 currently enrolled in university degree programmes.
He said Nigeria is also making progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, following recent reforms in anti-money laundering protocols.
“Security does not begin on the battlefield. It begins in our homes, our values, our truthfulness, and our resolve. Let us protect what is ours and unite for a peaceful, progressive Nigeria.”