The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says intensified citizen communication and cooperation have significantly advanced Nigeria’s security efforts, reaching over 32 million Nigerians in just three months through its Joint Security Communication Framework.
Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, disclosed this at the October 2025 Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja, held alongside security, defence, and intelligence agencies.
He stressed that trust remains Nigeria’s strongest security asset, noting that informed citizens are central to defeating insecurity.
Between August and October 2025, NOA’s campaign spanned radio, TV, and digital platforms, with over 50 broadcast outlets and a growing grassroots network of 1,460 community clusters.
Fact-checking and verified information dissemination also surged by 40%, helping counter misinformation and boost public vigilance.
Recent data show tangible results:Arrests of major suspects rose from 42 to 56.Rescued abductees increased from 19 to 27.Fatalities in violent crimes fell by 12%.Cross-border operations climbed from four to seven, with multiple arms seizures recorded.
On accountability, the ICPC and EFCC jointly reported recovering over ₦566 billion and $411.6 million in the last two years, with ₦100 billion reinvested into national welfare schemes.
Other agencies also recorded gains — NDLEA dismantled 14 drug syndicates, NIS rescued 76 trafficking victims, FRSC cut road crash fatalities by 12%, while NCoS expanded rehabilitation programs.
Issa-Onilu said the outcomes reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach linking security, transparency, and communication.
“Security is everybody’s business. When citizens speak up, criminals are shut down,” he affirmed.
He concluded with a national appeal: “Through courage, communication and collective responsibility, we are building a safer Nigeria. Together we build trust, peace, and our nation.”
Reporting by Abiola Peters