FG reiterates commitment to national security, lists gains in anti-terror war

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens as it highlighted recent successes recorded in the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and criminal elements.

This comes as the government dismissed recent claims by the United States suggesting that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide, describing the allegation as false, misleading, and a reflection of failed intelligence.

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The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the government’s position known during the National Joint Security Press Briefing held in Abuja on Monday.

He said the U.S. intelligence community has a record of flawed judgments, citing the failed interventions in Iraq and Libya as examples of how unreliable intelligence assessments can lead to costly missteps.

“It is disappointing that after commending Nigeria just a few weeks ago for neutralizing one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, the U.S. would turn around to list our country as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. What we have are attacks on Nigerians — both Christians and Muslims , by criminal elements and terrorists that our security forces are actively combating,” Issa-Onilu said.

He urged Washington to scrutinize its sources carefully and not fall for the antics of individuals or groups sowing seeds of division for political or personal gain.

The NOA boss emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and partnering with any country willing to support its ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry.

Presenting data from the October 2025 National Security Review, Issa-Onilu revealed significant progress across various sectors.

According to him, the number of major suspect arrests rose from 42 in September to 56 in October — a 33 percent increase attributed to stronger intelligence coordination. Rescues of abducted victims climbed from 19 to 27, while fatalities from violent crimes dropped by 12 percent, from 210 to 185, within the same period.

“These figures show that security operations are becoming more proactive, driven by better intelligence and faster response times,” he said.

Issa-Onilu added that cross-border interventions increased from four to seven incidents, underscoring growing synergy between the military, police, and intelligence services.

The NOA boss also reported progress in the government’s anti-corruption and transparency efforts, noting that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered ₦840 million and $919,000 in October alone, and secured two convictions.

Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded ₦566.3 billion and $411.6 million in total recoveries over two years, with 1,502 properties forfeited.

Portions of the recovered funds, he noted, have been reinvested into national initiatives such as the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.

“This reflects the Renewed Hope Accountability Framework, ensuring every kobo recovered works for Nigerians,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He also highlighted notable performances across several agencies. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized over 70 containers of counterfeit and unsafe goods in Lagos and Onitsha. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) dismantled 14 drug syndicates, arrested 1,378 suspects, and secured 251 convictions.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), he said, rescued 76 victims of human trafficking and processed 15,000 visa applications through a new digital platform, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded a 12 percent decline in fatal road crashes following intensified “Ember Months” campaigns.

“These results confirm a steady upward curve in our national safety indicators,” Issa-Onilu said, commending security agencies for their professionalism and commitment.

The NOA DG also underscored the importance of public communication in national security, revealing that the agency’s outreach campaigns between August and October reached over 32 million Nigerians across broadcast and digital channels.

“Our message is simple: trust is Nigeria’s strongest security asset. In today’s digital era, accurate information saves lives; misinformation costs them,” he said.

He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, verify information before sharing, and cooperate with security agencies to ensure peace and stability.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE