The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Monday launched the maiden edition of the Monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing, a unified platform designed to provide Nigerians with accurate, verified, and timely updates on the coordinated efforts of security, intelligence, and enforcement agencies across the country.
Held at the NOA Headquarters in Abuja, the inaugural session brought together spokespersons of all major security agencies and media representatives. The platform is coordinated by the Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the inter-agency security communication initiative.
In his address, Malam Issa-Onilu emphasized that the briefing is intended to enhance strategic communication, build public trust, and improve transparency regarding security operations nationwide.
“This initiative is about restoring confidence in our national security institutions. It is also a call for national unity in the face of threats to our peace and safety. Through seamless collaboration and proactive communication, we are reclaiming the security narrative,” he said.
Highlighting achievements from recent coordinated operations, the DG announced that within the reporting period:
A total of 2,109 criminal suspects were arrested by combined efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
75 kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity.
78 terrorists were neutralized in joint military operations across flashpoints in the North-East and North-West regions.
Six arms trafficking networks were dismantled, while 1,572 illegal hideouts and criminal encampments were raided.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recorded significant milestones in the war against drug trafficking, seizing over 2.9 million kilograms of narcotics including cannabis, cocaine, and other psychotropic substances during nationwide operations. The agency also dismantled several distribution networks and arrested traffickers at land borders, airports, and transport hubs.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in its latest statistics, reported 2,238 fatalities from road crashes within the period under review. The agency intensified enforcement of speed limits, alcohol testing, and rescue responses as part of its road safety strategy.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) continued to strengthen border surveillance and enforcement operations, intercepting illegal migrants and traffickers attempting to exploit Nigeria’s porous borders. The service also foiled attempts to use forged travel documents and arrested facilitators of human trafficking and smuggling rings.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reinforced security at custodial centres to prevent jailbreaks and escape attempts. The service also intensified reform and rehabilitation programs for inmates, while collaborating with sister agencies to recapture escapees and prosecute accomplices involved in attacks on prison facilities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded breakthroughs in the fight against financial crimes and cybercrimes. Several arrests were made involving suspects in internet fraud, illegal forex trading, and public corruption. The commission also reported substantial asset recoveries and ongoing high-profile prosecutions.
Malam Issa-Onilu acknowledged the unified efforts of all security and enforcement agencies and emphasized the importance of strategic communication in achieving operational effectiveness.
“Our security forces from the military and police to the intelligence community, correctional and anti-corruption agencies are working in sync to defend the sovereignty of our nation and safeguard lives and property. From the creeks of the Niger Delta to the borders of the North East, they are making tangible sacrifices daily,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to support the national security drive by avoiding the spread of fake news, reporting suspicious activities, and cooperating with authorities. “Taking back Nigeria from criminal elements is a collective responsibility,” he added.
During the interactive session, journalists raised questions about the timeframe for the statistics presented. In response, the NOA DG clarified that only verified and completed data were included in the 16-page briefing document shared with the press. He added that future editions would continue to improve on clarity, granularity, and data attribution.
The Monthly National Joint Security Press Briefing is scheduled to hold on the first Monday of every month. The platform complements, rather than replaces, the existing media engagements of individual agencies by aggregating key updates into a single national narrative.
