By Abubakar Yunusa
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has declared that Nigeria’s borders have transformed from crime corridors into strongholds against human trafficking and exploitation.
He made this assertion on Monday at the maiden edition of the National Joint Security Press Briefing held at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking under the theme “Disrupting Criminal Networks and Securing Communities”, the NOA DG praised the synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies, stating that coordinated efforts are yielding results.
“From the North-East to the Niger Delta, our security forces are reclaiming peace—one operation at a time.
“Nigeria is fighting back decisively and collaboratively,” Issa-Onilu said.
Security statistics presented at the briefing revealed significant national progress.
The statistic showed that Nigeria Police conducted 326 operations, resulting in 2,109 arrests and the rescue of 175 kidnap victims. The military neutralised 78 terrorists and dismantled six arms trafficking rings.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) carried out 1,572 raids, seizing nearly 2.9 million kilogrammes of narcotics including cannabis, tramadol, and methamphetamine.
Highlighting a renewed approach to border and migration control, Issa-Onilu noted that 82 victims of human trafficking had been rescued, while 495 irregular migrants were repatriated.
“Borders are no longer gateways to crime. They are now barriers to exploitation and trafficking”,he said
He cited enhanced collaboration with ECOWAS and the United Nations.
According to him,”The Nigeria Immigration Service also issued 3,786 e-visas and facilitated the return of 214 Nigerians from Niger Republic and 110 deported from Saudi Arabia.
“A total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 2 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), and over 2,200 rounds of ammunition were recovered during operations targeting arms proliferation.
“Additionally, NAFDAC intercepted 10 containers of tramadol and five of expired tomato paste, reflecting a clampdown on illicit pharmaceutical imports.
The Director General also addressed threats to national assets under the theme “Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Natural Resources.”
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dismantled 12 illegal refineries, three illegal mining gangs, and seven trucks used for oil theft. The Nigerian Navy seized ₦752.2 million worth of stolen petroleum products.
“Every illegal refinery and tampered railway track is an attack on our economy,” the NOA chief warned.
He also commended security agencies for their humanitarian response.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) supported flood victims and rehabilitated Boko Haram escapees across more than 15 states.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) held 352 anti-corruption events, reaching over 200,000 citizens.
” NOA has also led over 80 campaigns against misinformation, urging Nigerians to verify content before sharing.”
Under the theme “Enhancing Institutional Accountability and International Standing”, he said the ICPC recovered ₦21 billion and $1 million in looted funds.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Correctional Service reported the rehabilitation of 15,000 inmates, with 800 currently enrolled in university degree programmes.
He said Nigeria is also making progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, following recent reforms in anti-money laundering protocols.
Issa-Onilu urged citizens to play their part in securing the nation.
“Security does not begin on the battlefield. It begins in our homes, our values, our truthfulness, and our resolve.
“Let us protect what is ours and unite for a peaceful, progressive Nigeria,”he said .
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