The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), yesterday, announced that the country’s security and regulatory agencies recovered N21 billion and arrested 1,950 suspects during nationwide operations in August.
NOA’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this at the monthly joint security briefing in Abuja, describing the results as “evidence of stronger inter-agency coordination and intelligence-led actions.”
According to him, the Nigerian Army executed 261 operations, neutralised 30 terrorists in Zamfara, rescued passengers from an ISWAP ambush in Borno, and secured the surrender of 76 militants, including women and children.
He said: “Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies sustained a high operational tempo in August 2025: the Army executed 261 operations, Police made 1,950 arrests and rescued 141 victims.
“NDLEA seized 66,255.81 kg of narcotics and deployed 48 new vehicles to the field; EFCC secured 588 convictions with over N21.06 billion recovered.
“NAFDAC seized 17 containers of falsified/unsafe goods, and Immigration strengthened border controls with 10,803 visas approved, targeted denials, and trafficking victim interceptions were also recorded. Further details are contained in the full report, which is being made available to you.”
Issa-Onilu continued: “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 in ongoing efforts to keep our country safe.”
He stressed that intelligence-sharing and public cooperation remain key in disrupting criminal networks.
The DG urged Nigerians to report suspicious movements and avoid spreading unverified alerts that create panic.
He also announced that NOA offices across the 36 states and 774 local councils have been activated to intensify grassroots engagement through town halls, rallies, and advocacy campaigns.
While acknowledging challenges such as troop casualties, vandalism, and communal clashes, Issa-Onilu maintained that operational capacity had improved.
He added: “The message is clear: when intelligence meets joint action, kidnappers, gunrunners, and traffickers fail.
“Every seized drug container is a community saved from harm. Every conviction is a signal that corruption will not be tolerated. And every victim rescued is a life put back on track.”
