The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported a significant crackdown on drug-related crimes between August 1 and 21, 2025, arresting 944 individuals, including 809 males and 135 females.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), disclosed this on Monday during a monthly joint security press briefing stating that of these number, 186 cases were charged to court, resulting in 17 convictions, including two notorious drug kingpins sentenced to a combined 10 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“The NDLEA’s operations led to the seizure of 66,255.81kg of narcotics, 12 firearms, assorted ammunition, three vehicles, and ₦826 million in drug proceeds. A major breakthrough included dismantling a syndicate at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano, which was tagging illicit drugs to pilgrims’ luggage. Seven suspects, including the ringleader, were apprehended.
“In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA treated and rehabilitated 854 drug users (759 males, 95 females) and reached 87,560 people through 965 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs. To bolster operations, the agency equipped its commands with 48 new vehicles” he said.
Emerging facts from the monthly briefing revealed that between July and August 2025, Nigeria demonstrated significant achievements in repatriating foreigners, combating human trafficking, strengthening border security, advancing anti-corruption initiatives with substantial recoveries and convictions, and disrupting violent crime networks through intelligence-driven operations
According to the Director General major highlight was the repatriation of 105 foreigners during this period, reflecting intensified border security and immigration control. This effort was part of a broader operation that included the interception of 50 trafficking victims, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to combating human trafficking. In the same timeframe, 10,803 visas were approved in August with targeted rejections and queries, while 368 Nigerians were deported for various violations. Immigration enforcement measures also led to the interception of 5 stowaways and the denial of entry to 3 Chinese nationals without valid visas.
These border security achievements were supported by the adoption of smarter screening processes, a human rights-based management strategy, and survivor-centered protection, as mandated by presidential directives. Onilu stressed the importance of rescuing victims, describing each rescue as “a life put back on track and a smuggler removed from communities.” He called on community members to report suspected smuggling recruiters to enhance the protection of vulnerable populations.
In the fight against corruption, Nigeria saw remarkable progress through the efforts of its Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The EFCC recorded 588 convictions and recovered N21.06 billion in foreign currency, underlining its successful crackdown on financial crimes. Meanwhile, the ICPC recovered N5.5 billion and facilitated the return of $368,390.95 to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Additionally, the ICPC helped establish six Anti-Corruption Teams in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), created nine Students’ Anti-Corruption Vanguards, and secured two convictions during this period.
These enforcement achievements were paired with preventive measures, including civic education in schools and the empowerment of anti-corruption units within MDAs. Onilu highlighted the government’s focus on reforming systems, recovering funds, and fostering a generation that rejects graft. He urged the public to continue using whistleblowing channels, encouraged MDAs to support their Anti-Corruption Teams, and called on schools to join the Citizens Values Brigades established by NOA to promote integrity.
Security operations also yielded notable successes against violent crime. Following sequential interdictions between July 19 and August 14 across Abuja, Plateau, and other states, authorities confiscated ammunition, grenades, and fabricated rifles. Noteworthy arrests included the suspected mastermind of a kidnapping case involving the Bingham University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a female arms trafficker in Zamfara found with 300 rounds of ammunition, and leaders of the militant groups Ansaru and Mahmuda. Additionally, a Taraba lecturer abducted during attacks was rescued unharmed.
Onilu emphasized the role of intelligence fusion in disrupting criminal networks by breaking supply chains and leadership nodes of illicit groups. He described how “when intelligence meets joint action, kidnap syndicates and gun-running pipelines fail,” aligning with the administration’s strategic approach to degrading threats and enhancing public safety. He called on communities to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious arms movements and ransom-related cash flows, reinforcing public participation as critical to national security.
The Nigerian Police Force bolstered these efforts by conducting 210 operations that resulted in 1,950 arrests and the dismantling of 37 criminal gangs. During these operations, 141 kidnap victims were rescued, 111 firearms and 48 explosives were recovered, and cash worth N250.74 million was seized. To keep the public informed and counter misinformation, the police issued 278 press releases, 97 advisories, and addressed 22 false information items.
The Director General reaffirmed NOA’s role in communicating complex security and strategic developments in accessible formats to enhance public understanding. This transparency supports the government’s mandate to keep citizens informed about the measures being taken to safeguard the nation.
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