Security Agencies Record Major Gains as FG Intensifies Offensive Against Terrorism, Banditry, Kidnapping

By Pan Afric Reporters

Nigeria’s defence, intelligence and law enforcement agencies have announced significant operational successes recorded in the first half of 2026, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnap victims, record drug seizures, terrorism convictions, improved border security and enhanced financial crime enforcement, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and organised crime nationwide.

The figures were unveiled on Thursday during a Joint Security Press Briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja by spokespersons of defence, security, response and law enforcement agencies.

According to the briefing, the coordinated efforts of the various agencies have strengthened intelligence-sharing, joint operations and law enforcement, resulting in notable successes across the country’s security landscape.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) disclosed that troops conducted 14,221 operations between January and June 2026, neutralising 1,597 terrorists, rescuing 1,516 kidnapped victims, recovering 451 firearms, 16,726 rounds of ammunition and 161 explosives/IEDs, while intensifying non-kinetic engagements through peacebuilding initiatives and stakeholder consultations.

“The successes recorded during the period underscore the effectiveness of joint military operations, inter-agency collaboration and the invaluable support of citizens,” the military stated, urging Nigerians to continue providing timely intelligence.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reported major breakthroughs against terrorism, kidnapping and organised crime, including the arrest of terrorist suspects, dismantling of criminal syndicates, recovery of sophisticated weapons and the rescue of kidnapped victims across several states.

The police also highlighted stronger border security through collaboration with INTERPOL and other agencies, while noting that intelligence-led policing and community engagement had improved public trust and crime prevention.

The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the rescue of over 200 kidnap victims, recovery of thousands of rounds of ammunition and dozens of firearms, as well as successful prosecution of terrorism, kidnapping and arms trafficking cases across several states.

The Service noted that courts imposed death sentences and lengthy prison terms on convicted terrorists, kidnappers and arms traffickers, including suspects linked to the Owo church attack, Papiri school kidnapping and other major criminal cases.

The Federal Government also revealed that its Mass Trial Programme has secured 1,721 terrorism-related convictions since 2017, with 865 convictions recorded in 2026 alone, accounting for more than half of all convictions secured under the initiative.

On drug enforcement, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the dismantling of Nigeria’s largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, seizure of narcotics valued at approximately ₦480 billion, arrest of 9,769 suspects, dismantling of 144 criminal gangs and 1,778 convictions within five months.

The agency also said it counselled and rehabilitated 6,533 drug users while reaching about 770,000 Nigerians through nationwide anti-drug sensitisation campaigns.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reported sealing steel companies linked to infrastructure vandalism, dismantling an illegal arms factory in Yobe State, intercepting counterfeit currency worth about ₦1 billion, and resolving over 2,600 conflict cases nationwide.

The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) described Nigeria’s removal from the European Union’s high-risk list as a major milestone, saying it reflects stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures while preparations continue for the country’s 2027 global financial crime evaluation.

Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced generating ₦3.35 trillion in revenue between January and May 2026, while intensifying anti-smuggling operations, intercepting illicit drugs, undeclared foreign currencies and endangered wildlife products.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reported a 25.65 per cent reduction in road crashes, recovery of 12 stolen vehicles and intensified enforcement against dangerous road practices, including mix-loading and fake diplomatic number plates.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it secured 915 convictions between January and April 2026, including convictions involving former senior public officials, reaffirming its resolve to combat corruption.

Other agencies also highlighted notable achievements.

The Federal Fire Service reported saving 1,725 lives and properties worth over ₦305 billion while responding to 491 fire incidents during the first quarter of the year.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) announced zero prison breaks nationwide, foiled an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into a custodial centre, recovered over 1,167 contraband items and reduced recidivism to 30 per cent.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it repatriated 567 foreign nationals, rescued 563 trafficking victims, deported immigration offenders and expanded technology-driven border surveillance.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) rescued over 1,300 trafficking victims and secured 83 convictions, including life sentences for convicted traffickers and rapists.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that it provided humanitarian assistance to 373,021 Nigerians affected by disasters and emergencies between January and June 2026 while scaling up flood preparedness ahead of the rainy season.

The agencies jointly reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining coordinated operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime, drug trafficking, corruption and other security threats, while calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information.

“Collective vigilance, sustained inter-agency collaboration and active public support remain critical to restoring lasting peace, protecting lives and securing Nigeria,” the agencies said.