Nigeria's Security Agencies Neutralize 1,487 Terrorists

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) reported that Nigeria's security agencies conducted 7,062 operations in July and August 2023, resulting in the neutralization of 1,487 terrorists and insurgents and the rescue of 777 kidnapped victims. Chido Onumah, Special Adviser to the National Security Adviser on Strategic Communication and Civil Society Liaison, released this information in a third-quarter national security update in Abuja.

The operations also led to the arrest of 354 suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and Improvised Explosive Devices. The Nigeria Police Force recorded significant achievements, arresting 1,334 suspects and rescuing 383 kidnapped victims, while recovering 175 firearms and over 3,790 rounds of ammunition.

The State Security Services contributed through intelligence-driven operations against various threats. The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons destroyed 1,419 illicit weapons on July 30, 2023, and the Nigeria Customs Service handed over 399 intercepted firearms in August.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency conducted 2,298 operations, arresting 3,705 suspects and seizing almost 54,000 kg of illicit drugs.