The Nigerian Military, Nigeria Police Force, and other security forces in a concerted effort to end insurgency activities in the country have neutralised 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 suspects, and rescued 7,967 kidnapped victims in 2024.
Director of Legal Services in the office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa revealed this today, 16th December 2024 during the end-of-year press briefing by Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC)
Zakari added that during the period under review, the security Agencies arrested 30,313 suspected criminals while 1,438 stolen vehicles were recovered from criminals, and assorted firearms comprising 10,200 weapons and 224,709 ammunition were also recovered.
According to him, ” efforts of the security forces in 2024 prevented oil theft valued at over 57 billion naira, and raised crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, thereby aligning with the Presidential mandate of eradicating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He said the feat was made possible through the deployment of advanced naval assets, including personnel, helicopters, and UAVs, conducting surveillance and interdiction across the Niger Delta region.
“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. In August, the 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 Nigerian 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 and date to eradicate crude oil theft.”
Speaking on the activities of the Nigeria Police Force. Zakari said that the Force has demonstrated steadfast dedication to tackling crime and criminality across the nation nationwide in 2024, achieving remarkable successes in maintaining public safety.
According to him, “Between January and December, the Force arrested thirty thousand three hundred and thirteen (30,313) suspects for crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and homicide, while rescuing one thousand five hundred and eighty-one (1,581) kidnapped victims.
“Significant recoveries were made, including one thousand nine hundred and eighty-four (1,984) firearms, one thousand four hundred and thirty-eight (1,438) stolen vehicles, and twenty-three thousand two hundred and fifty (23,250) rounds of ammunition.
Notable achievements include the rescue of eighty-nine (89) victims from armed bandits in Kaduna State on November 24 and the foiling of a kidnapping in Delta State on November 28, which led to the recovery of multiple firearms. In Kebbi State, thirty-six (36) abducted farmers were freed on December 8 through coordinated efforts with the military and vigilantes.
“The Force also disrupted illegal arms trade, arresting suspects involved in trans-border gun running and recovering both locally and internationally made weapons. In operations with the Nigerian Army, the FCT Police cleared bandit camps in Kaduna and Niger States, while Rivers State Police arrested a notorious cult leader, Gift Okpara, recovering a cache of arms and explosives.
“These efforts underscore the Force’s resolute pursuit of justice and national security.
Speaking on the activities of he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) he stated that the Commission has achieved unprecedented milestones in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to combating corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.
According to him, “Notably, four former governors, three ex-ministers, and a former Central Bank governor are facing trial for money laundering and other financial crimes, reflecting the Commission’s pursuit of justice and accountability.
” In asset recovery, the EFCC reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes, while recording an impressive 3,455 convictions as of October 2024. Under the leadership of Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede,
He added that in the period under review, the EFCC implemented key reforms, including the creation of new departments like Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC), the restructuring of zonal offices, and the launch of EFCC 97.3FM for public education.
He further explained that the Commission also hosted a national cybercrime dialogue with stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR IN attendance while the Commission also through its special task force against naira abuse achieved 55 convictions.
On the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS he explained Service under Comptroller General KN Nandap, achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, policy implementation, and capacity building.
According to him, “Key accomplishments included the completion of the Technology Complex, which houses the Command-and-Control Centre, NIS Data Centre, and ECOWAS Biometric Card Centre thus enhancing real-time border monitoring with advanced technology.
“The NIS also deployed 30 border patrol vehicles and partnered with Huawei to provide e-solutions for over two hundred 200 border formations while on Policy advancement, the service also began the implementation of the Complete Automated Passport Acquisition System (CAPAS) and the launch of the New Visa Policy 2024 to promote tourism along with the establishment of the Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA).
The Comptroller General also conducted border tours across the country to assess the newly installed e-border solutions and engage with border communities.
On the of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zakari said that the Corps has made notable efforts in enhancing road safety and contributing to national security throughout 2024.
According to him, ” The Corps implemented a series of special operations aimed at reducing road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities, including targeted patrols against overloading, tanker crashes, and the use of fake number plates.
“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, although 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.
“Additionally, the Corps played a key role during the ‘EndBadGovernance’ protests, ensuring public safety through coordinated operations with the Nigerian Police and other security agencies while providing timely rescue services for injured individuals.”
He commended the bravery and sacrifices of all the security personnel who continue to face evolving challenges with courage and determination while lauding media for its support and collaboration throughout the year.