Troops Neutralizes Over 1,166 Terrorists , Arrest 1,096 As Security Agencies Score Major Wins In August 2024.

By Helen Udo,Outlook Media.

In a joint press briefing held on September 5, 2024, Nigerian security, defence, and response agencies provided an extensive update on their efforts to secure the nation and protect its citizens. Throughout August 2024, significant milestones were achieved, showcasing a firm commitment to combating terrorism, protecting national assets, and upholding the rule of law.

The Defence Headquarters announced a major victory in the fight against terrorism, as 1,166 terrorists by troops were neutralized and 1,096 suspected criminals arrested in various operations. Among those killed were key terrorist leaders like Munir Arika, Sani Dilla, Ameer Modu, Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Sani Baka Tsine, and Ibrahim, who were taken down in both the Northeast and Northwest regions. The operations led to the rescue of 721 hostages, dealing a significant blow to the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.

The military also recovered 391 weapons, including automatic rifles and high-powered assault guns, along with over 15,000 rounds of ammunition. Furthermore, a massive crackdown on oil theft, worth over N5 billion, has helped to secure the country’s oil resources. The Nigerian Navy, under Operation DELTA SANITY, played a critical role in combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying 15 illegal refinery sites, 17 wooden boats, and 10 refining ovens. A significant illegal refinery site, capable of processing 2 million liters of crude oil daily, was dismantled along the Ogoloma-Bakana waterways in Rivers State. These efforts contributed to a boost in Nigeria’s crude oil production, which now stands at 1.658 million barrels per day.

In addition to this, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) reported substantial progress in curbing criminal activities across the nation. During the “End Bad Governance in Nigeria” protest held from August 1 to 10, 873 individuals were arrested in multiple states for crimes ranging from armed robbery to arson. In a related effort, police arrested nine individuals suspected of plotting to destabilize the government with alleged foreign backing, including a British national, Andrew Whynne, and a local accomplice, Lucky Ehis Obiyan.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) also made significant strides in custodial reforms. Four female inmates at the Female Custodial Facility in Auchi completed their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), marking a milestone in inmate rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, the Chief Judges of Ondo and Gombe States released 257 inmates to alleviate overcrowding in prisons.

On the anti-corruption front, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested a major fraud syndicate responsible for a $1 million scam, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) made significant breakthroughs in addressing corruption within the healthcare sector. Both agencies are pivotal in Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption drive, as demonstrated by the recent meeting of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), held in Abuja to implement the ECOWAS anti-corruption protocol.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made record-breaking progress in its fight against narcotics, with 1,821 arrests and the seizure of 142,291.3 kilograms of drugs. The agency also destroyed 49.63 hectares of cannabis farms and prosecuted 415 suspects. Two major drug barons, Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh and Alhaji Suleman Ganiu Aremu, were arrested for cocaine trafficking and now face charges.

In the fight against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) continued its aggressive campaign, managing over 150 victims in its shelters despite the court recess. The agency has been handling several high-profile cases, including a major organ harvesting case involving a prominent hospital in Abuja. NAPTIP also expanded its partnerships with international organizations to enhance its prevention and protection efforts.

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has been at the forefront of combating money laundering, conducting a major study in collaboration with South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre. This collaboration is expected to significantly improve Nigeria’s ability to fight financial crimes, ensuring a safer and more stable economic environment.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) also reported impressive results, generating ₦277.5 billion in import duties and ₦15.8 billion in excise duties. In its ongoing battle against smuggling, the NCS made 83 seizures, including over 3,000 bags of foreign rice and 170,000 liters of PMS. Their work has played a key role in protecting Nigeria’s economy from illicit trade.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) continued its efforts in border security and human trafficking prevention. The agency intercepted 97 trafficked victims and repatriated 61 foreign nationals involved in irregular migration. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested 141 suspected criminals during the “End Bad Governance” protests, preventing widespread damage to critical national infrastructure.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also recorded substantial progress, with 691 road traffic crashes reported and over 2,000 individuals rescued. The Corps’ efforts have been strengthened by the introduction of new technologies aimed at improving road safety. They also produced over 200,000 National Drivers Licenses in August, contributing to the nation’s overall safety and efficiency.

August 2024 marked a significant turning point for Nigeria’s security agencies. With over 1,166 terrorists neutralized, 1,096 arrests made, and substantial progress across various sectors, these agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria.

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