…as EFCC recovers N1.4 trillion, convicts over 2000 fraudsters
By Victor Akaa
In a remarkable display of interagency collaboration, Nigeria’s security operatives have achieved outstanding success in their efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the country. According to a joint press conference held on Thursday in Abuja by the security agencies, a total of 9,303 terrorists have been neutralized, 6,988 arrested, and 4,641 hostages rescued in the past year.
Addressing the press conference, Major General Edward Buba, who spoke on behalf of the security agencies, attributed the success to the robust interagency collaboration and intelligence sharing. He emphasized that the security operatives have made tremendous progress in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, and are committed to continuing their work to protect citizens and the country.
General Buba noted that the achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), among others.
“From May 23 to Jun 24, the potency of the terrorists was largely degraded with 9,303 Terrorist neutralized, 6,988 terrorists including their logistic suppliers and informants arrested, while 4641 hostages were rescued.
“Notably, 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatant fighters and their families surrendered to security forces. In the fight against oil theft, 1,437 perpetrators were apprehended, with 363 neutralized. Additionally, 245 kidnapped hostages were rescued, leading to a marked improvement in the prevention of crude oil theft.”
He said, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralized 5,012 terrorists, arrested 3,450, and rescued 2,500 hostages, while also recovering large quantities of weapons and ammunition.
The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested 1,500 terrorists, disrupted 200 illegal arms trafficking networks, and foiled 150 terrorist plots.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) arrested 1,200 terrorists, rescued 1,000 hostages, and recovered 500 weapons and 10,000 rounds of ammunition, while the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) seized 500 weapons, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and 50 vehicles used by terrorists.
Similarly, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) arrested 200 terrorists attempting to flee the country, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the other hand provided humanitarian assistance to 50,000 displaced persons.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), according to the report, recovered N1.4 trillion and convicted 2,200 fraudsters while the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested 10,000 vandals, rescued 1,500 hostages, amongst several achievements by other security agencies.
Major General Buba said the Strategic Communications Interagency Advisory Policy Committee is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Advisor and “serves as the umbrella body for the spokespersons of all Nigerian security and response agencies, facilitating unified and strategic communication to highlight the collective activities of our agencies over the past year.”
General Buba emphasized that the security operatives are committed to continuing their work to protect citizens and the country.
The joint press conference marked a significant shift in the country’s approach to security, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration and coordination in tackling complex security challenges. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, this united front by its security agencies offers hope for a safer and more secure future, Enugu Reporters noted.
