Joint Security Briefing: Army executes 261 operations, Police arrest 1950, rescue 141 victims, NDLEA seizes 66,255kg narcotics in August

• NOA DG commends the media for adequate reporting of joint security achievements

Tighter inter-security agency coordinations, stronger intelligence-led actions and expanded public facing communications have produced positive outcomes in the nation’s security eco-system during the month of August.

 

According to the DG, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu during the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja, the Army executed 261 operations across all zones of the country which led to the arrest of high profile terrorist kingpins, the neutralization of several terrorists as well as the recovery of several arms and ammunition and the rescue of many kidnapped victims.

 

“Our troops are degrading terror logistics and protecting communities and we appreciate members of the public as citizen tips are turning into life saving operations”, the DG said.

 

On the Police performance in August, the DG reported that 210 operations were made which culminated in 1950 arrests, dismantling of 37 gangs, rescue of 141 kidnapped victims and the seizure of N250million in cash.

 

NDLEA was reported to have made 944 arrests, filed 186 cases in courts and received 17 convictionsduring the month. It was also able to seize 66,255kg of narcotics and 854 drug users were rehabilitated.And in order to boost operations, NDLEA management procured and allocated 48 new vehicles to various commands.

 

“Illicit drug seizures are up and recovery pathways for victims is open and this is how communities get healthier and safer” Mallam Onilu said while calling on all stakeholders to continue to promote the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA.

 

With regards to food and drug safety, NAFDAC was reported to carried out 19 enforcement operations which produced the seizure of 17no 40 feet containers of regulated products, 5 tomato paste containers were also impounded while 4 arrests were made during the month.

 

The NOA DG called on the public to ensure that they buy only registered products and report suspicious warehouses where substandard products are made.

 

On the activities of EFCC, the DG reported that the organization had 588 convictions and recovered N21billion, while the ICPC recovered N5.5billion as well as $368,390 which have been returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

 

According to the NOA Director General, the government has been recovering funds, reforming systems and raising a generation that rejects graft. He called on the public to continue to use the whistle blowing channels and that the people should join the Citizen Values Brigade being established by the NOA to institute positive national values and ethos among Nigerians.

 

Mallam Onilu commended the media for theirvarious and continuous coverage and publications of NOA numerous activities which are helping to reach the grassroots with NOA messages to institute the positive and patriotic new Nigerian.