The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commended Nigeria’s security and law enforcement bodies for their “dynamic and well-coordinated” accomplishments throughout September 2025, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the agency’s recent joint security press conference held in Abuja, Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu highlighted that the past month demonstrated unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation, upholding institutional integrity, and promoting inclusive governance.
He reported that the Nigerian Army, police, and various security agencies carried out numerous intelligence-driven missions that successfully dismantled criminal networks, freed hostages, and confiscated weapons and illegal goods nationwide.
Specifically, the Nigerian Army executed 196 targeted operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers, resulting in the rescue of 76 abducted individuals, the seizure of arms and ammunition, and the destruction of illicit weapon manufacturing sites across multiple states.
The Nigeria Police Force conducted 107 operations, apprehending 2,547 suspects and liberating 105 hostages. Additionally, they recovered 212 firearms, seized ₦250 million in cash, and confiscated large quantities of cannabis.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported the arrest of 1,703 suspects-comprising 1,509 men and 194 women-and the disruption of 37 major drug trafficking networks nationwide. The agency also seized over 212,000 kilograms of narcotics alongside firearms.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted 20 victims of human trafficking in Jibiya and facilitated the repatriation of 48 Nigerians from Niger Republic. Furthermore, the service processed 13,000 visa applications, deported 1,282 irregular migrants, and prevented multiple stowaway attempts.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated revenue totaling ₦658.6 billion in September, driven by improved enforcement strategies and digital innovations. The agency also intercepted firearms, industrial drones, and other high-risk contraband in the South-West region.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) responded to 589 road accidents, rescuing 3,848 individuals while recording 252 fatalities. The FRSC also launched an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) and initiated multilingual road safety awareness campaigns across the country.
Issa-Onilu attributed these significant achievements to effective intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and active citizen participation.
He cautioned Nigerians against disseminating unverified information on social media platforms, emphasizing that misinformation can incite unnecessary fear and erode public confidence.
“Your alertness saves lives. Your voice is powerful. Your collaboration fortifies our national security,” he stressed.
The NOA chief urged media organizations to focus on accurate reporting and engage in training programs centered on ethical journalism, combating disinformation, and promoting peace-oriented coverage.
He also called on government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enhance anti-corruption measures and whistleblower protections, while encouraging border security units to intensify intelligence exchange.
Issa-Onilu underscored that national security transcends military efforts, relying fundamentally on “partnership, vigilance, and mutual trust” between the populace and authorities.
“Protecting our nation requires more than operations; it demands collective commitment and shared responsibility,” he concluded.
The NOA reiterated its appeal for citizens to report suspicious behaviors, illegal merchandise, and counterfeit products through official hotlines managed by agencies such as the NDLEA, NAFDAC, and the Police.
