2024: Over 8,000 terrorists killed, 11,000 suspects arrested – ONSA

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has revealed that the combined efforts of the military, police, and other security forces led to significant gains in 2024.

A total of 8,034 terrorists were killed, while 11,623 suspected terrorists were arrested. Additionally, 7,967 kidnapped victims were rescued during the year.

Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Service and Coordinator of the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee at ONSA, shared these updates during a briefing in Abuja on Monday.

He further highlighted the recovery of 10,200 weapons and 224,709 rounds of ammunition from terrorists and other non-state actors.

In addition, 30,313 suspected criminals were apprehended, and 1,438 stolen vehicles were recovered.

The security forces also made significant strides in combating oil theft, preventing losses valued at N57 billion and raising crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Key successes from January to date include the seizure of illegal refinery sites, the recovery of stolen crude oil, and the disruption of oil bunkering activities.

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“In August, the Nigerian Navy seized nine illegal refinery sites and recovered large quantities of stolen oil.

“September saw the arrest of eight suspects and the seizure of 19 illegal refinery sites, while October saw 23 illegal refinery sites dismantled.

“November’s efforts led to the dismantling of 27 refinery sites, the seizure of 75 wooden boats, and the arrest of 17 suspects.

“The Navy also rescued eight victims of human trafficking and apprehended eight stowaways.

“These actions have contributed to a rise in crude oil production, reaching 1.8 million barrels per day, aligning with the President’s mandate to eradicate crude oil theft,” he said.

He also stated that the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, had effectively ensured the safe and humane custody of over 80,000 inmates and supervised 50,000 offenders on non-custodial measures like community service and probation.

He added that the service provided rehabilitation through vocational training for over 30,000 inmates, education for 2,000 WASSCE candidates, and facilitated the graduation of 1,000 inmates with Diploma and Degree programmes from the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN.

Mijinyawa reiterated that 2,000 juvenile delinquents were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society and ensured timely court appearances for awaiting trial persons during the years.

According to him, some escapees were recaptured with support from security agencies while initiatives like the NCoS Studio and starter packages were launched for ex-offenders.

Mijinyawa said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, achieved significant progress in the fight against supply and demand of illicit drugs during the review period.

“The agency arrested 14,480 individuals, including 15 drug barons, secured 2,867 convictions, and seized 2.37 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs, with cannabis, tramadol, and codeine-based cough syrup being the most trafficked.

“A historic 51.90 kilograms of heroin was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“Under its War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, initiative, the NDLEA sensitised over 1.3 million people through 3,064 activities and provided counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation for 6,655 individuals,’’ he said.

Mijinyawa said the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, made significant strides in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement, adding that it exceeded its revenue target, collecting N 5.49 trillion, an 8.1 per cent surplus.

He said the service also recorded a 70.1 per cent increase in monthly revenue and 122.3 per cent growth in the first quarter.

The ONSA director said the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, also achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, policy implementation, and capacity building.

He said the Comptroller General conducted border tours across the country to assess the newly installed e-border solutions and engage with border communities.

Mijinyawa said the National Park Service had between January and October, apprehended 621 for various offenses, prosecuted 466 individuals, and resolved 61 cases out of court.

According to him, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, distributed 42,000 metric tons of food to vulnerable populations in all 36 states of the federation, including the FCT.

On its part, Mijinyawa said the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, implemented a series of special operations aimed at reducing road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities, including targeted patrols against overloading and tanker crashes.

“These efforts resulted in the arrest of 538,398 traffic offenders. FRSC also conducted rescue operations for 7,872 crashes, saving 25,127 individuals with injuries and 27,597 without, while 4,378 fatalities were recorded.

“The FRSC also recovered 72 stolen vehicles and produced over 740,000 number plates, with a high percentage registered in the National Vehicle Identification Scheme, NVIS, portal during the period under review.

“The Federal Fire Service, FFS, recorded 1,366 incidents from January to September, saving 292 lives and protecting property valued at N1.27 trillion.

“Despite a decline in incidents, the FFS remains focused on improving response mechanisms, equipment, and public awareness to further safeguard lives and property nationwide,’’ he said.

Mijinyawa said the achievements were a clear dedication, resilience, and commitment of the security forces and response agencies to safeguarding the nation.

He commended the bravery and sacrifices of all personnel who had continued to face evolving challenges with courage and determination.