By: Mercy Peter
The Federal Government on Monday disclosed that it has recorded significant results in recent coordinated onslaught on criminals and bandits across the country.
The Director General, National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu briefed the media in Abuja.
He said the government under its programme themed “Disrupting Criminal Networks and Securing Communities,” has made a series of arrests, dismantling trafficking rings, and rescued kidnap victims.
Given the breakdown of recent security operations, he said the Nigeria Police Force conducted 326 operations, resulting in the arrest of 2,109 suspects and the rescue of 175 kidnap victims.
These operations targeted armed robbers, kidnappers, and cult groups across several states.
He also noted that joint security efforts led to the neutralization of 78 suspected terrorists, while six major arms trafficking networks were uncovered and dismantled.
On the part of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Issa-Onilu said the agency carried out 1,572 raids, seized over 2.9 million kilograms of illicit drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic substances.
“Several drug trafficking suspects are currently under investigation or facing prosecution.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) he noted resolved 720 community conflicts, helping to defuse local tensions and maintain peace in various communities.
On the part of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the DG said it reported 2,838 road crash-related deaths during the period, attributing most of the fatalities to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
Issa-Onilu said the result of the security and paramilitary agencies reflect a shift toward more tactical and intelligence-led operations.
He highlighted that the administration is working to build a more responsive and coordinated security system.
“We are aligning our security approach with intelligence gathering, rapid response, and joint task force coordination. These outcomes are evidence that this approach is making a difference.”
He also emphasized that efforts are ongoing to boost community policing, improve inter-agency communication, and invest in equipment and training for security personnel.
While security challenges remain, the government reaffirmed its commitment to making communities safer and ensuring that criminal networks are disrupted and brought to justice.
