The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has disclosed that the Federal Government recovered N658.6 billion in revenue and foiled several arms smuggling attempts across the country in September.
Director-General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known on Monday during the October Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja, where he presented the performance highlights of key security and enforcement agencies.
He said the results reflected improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and operational efficiency across the nation’s security architecture.
Issa-Onilu revealed that security operatives intercepted arms traffickers in Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Ebonyi, Plateau, and Ekiti states, recovering M16 rifles, AK-47s, PKT machine guns, and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition in coordinated, intelligence-led raids.
“Our security agencies are no longer reacting to threats; they are preventing them. Through collaboration and intelligence, we are protecting lives, securing borders, and restoring public confidence,” he said.
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N658.6 billion during the month under review through enhanced digital enforcement.
The service also intercepted firearms, industrial drones, and other contraband items, while introducing a One-Stop-Shop platform to streamline cargo clearance and facilitate trade.
He noted that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dismantled 37 major drug cartels, arrested 1,703 suspects—comprising 1,509 males and 194 females—and seized over 212,000 kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine, cannabis, and methamphetamine.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Issa-Onilu added, carried out 40 enforcement operations nationwide, confiscating fake medicines, cosmetics, and vegetable oils.
The agency also conducted its first joint operation with the Nigerian Navy inside a military barracks, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects.
He highlighted that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) responded to 589 crashes, rescuing 3,848 victims—including 1,834 injured persons—while 252 deaths were recorded.
The corps also launched an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to digitise its administrative operations.
Issa-Onilu further disclosed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered N446 million, restrained N172 million, and secured three convictions in September.
The commission also established eight anti-corruption units across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and reached over 41,000 Nigerians through awareness campaigns.
The NOA boss paid tribute to five FRSC officers who lost their lives in the line of duty last month, describing their sacrifice as a reminder of the dangers faced by those safeguarding national security.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by sharing timely information, avoiding misinformation, and promoting civic responsibility.
“Security is not the duty of the uniformed alone; it is a shared civic responsibility. Where there is trust, there is compliance, and where there is cooperation, peace will endure,” Issa-Onilu said.
