NOA, Security agencies inaugurate monthly security briefing, announce rescue of 175 kidnap victims, 2109 arrests, other major achievements

 

By Clement Ezeolisah 

“We are not just securing Nigeria, we are rebuilding it with values, compassion and vigilance “ - DG, NOA

The Federal Government has announced the new push and effective coordination among all the security and paramilitary agencies to deal decisively with crime and criminality in the nation.

Speaking during the maiden joint security press briefing in Abuja, the Derector General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa -Onilu said, “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 interagency cooperation resulting in major arrests, rescues and asset seizures”.

Mallam Onilu went on to present reports of the achievements of the various security agencies which include the rescue of 175 kidnap victims, 2109 arrests, 78 terrorists neutralized as well as 1572 NDLEA raids that led to the seizure of 2.9million kg of narcotics.

According to the DG, “we are aligning our security approach with intelligence gathering, rapid respond and joint taskforce coordination. These outcomes are evidence that this approach is making a difference.”

Mallam Oniru appealed to Nigerians as he said “our gallant men and women in uniforms are recording real and measurable gains, but security does not start at 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 appealed.

The joint security press briefing which comprises all security and paramilitary agencies in the country will be held monthly and the aim is to bring all the security agencies onto one platform to ensure a coordinated and strategic message across Nigeria.

Mallam Onilu noted that NDLEA also recovered 520 kg of tramadol, 12 AK-47s, 2 GPMGSs and over 2200 rounds of ammunition, while NAFDAC seized 10 containers of tramadol, 5 trucks of expired tomato paste.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, rescued 82 human trafficking victims and 495 repatriations. The DG assured that Nigerian borders were no longer gateways to crime but now barriers to exploitation and trafficking.

The NSCDC was reported to have dismantled 12 illegal refineries, 3 mining gangs and 7 oil theft trucks while the Navy was able to seize N753.2 million worth of stolen petroleum products.

According to the DG, NEMA supported 42 rescued Boko Haram captives and flood victims in over 15 states. While ICPC recovered N21 billion, $1 million and hosted 352 anti - corruption events which engaged over 209,339 citizens, the National Orientation Agency produced 87 government press advisories countering misinformation.

Mallam Oniru called on the media as well as all citizens to verify information before sharing as well as to join NOA civic campaigns, “to build a safer, saner society together.”