Nigerian security forces kill 8,034 terrorists, rescue 7,967 hostages in 2024 – Official

The official said that the efforts of the security forces also prevented oil theft, valued at N57 billion, and raised crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.

The combined efforts of the military, police and other security forces led to the killing of 8,034 terrorists, the arrest of 11,623 suspected terrorists and the rescue of 7,967 kidnap victims in 2024.

Zakari Mijinyawa, director of Legal Service and Coordinator, Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), said this while briefing journalists on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Mijinyawa said the efforts of the security forces also resulted in the recovery of 10,200 weapons and 224,709 ammunition from terrorists and other non-state actors within the year.

He added that 30,313 suspected criminals were apprehended, while 1,438 stolen vehicles were recovered from criminals within the year.

Mr Mijinyawa said that the efforts of the security forces in 2024 prevented oil theft valued at N57 billion and raised crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day.

According to him, this aligns 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 Nigerian 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 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 mandate to eradicate crude oil theft,” he said.

Mr Mijinyawa said the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) had effectively ensured the safe and humane custody of over 80,000 inmates and supervised 50,000 offenders on non-custodial measures like community service and probation.

He added that the service provided rehabilitation through vocational training for over 30,000 inmates and education for 2,000 WASSCE candidates. He also facilitated the graduation of 1,000 inmates with diploma and degree programmes from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

He added that 2,000 juvenile delinquents were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, and he ensured timely court appearances for awaiting trial persons.

According to him, some escapees were recaptured with support from security agencies while initiatives like the NCoS Studio and starter packages were launched for ex-offenders.

The director said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved significant progress in the fight against supply and demand of illicit drugs during the review period.

“The agency arrested 14,480 individuals, including 15 drug barons, secured 2,867 convictions, and seized 2.37 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs, with cannabis, tramadol, and codeine-based cough syrup being the most trafficked.

“A historic 51.90 kilograms of heroin was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“Under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the NDLEA sensitised over 1.3 million people through 3,064 activities and provided counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation for 6,655 individuals,’’ he said.

Mr Mijinyawa said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made significant strides in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement, adding that it exceeded its revenue target, collecting N 5.49 trillion, an 8.1 per cent surplus.

He said the service also recorded a 70.1 per cent increase in monthly revenue and 122.3 per cent growth in the first quarter.

The ONSA director said the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) also achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development, policy implementation, and capacity building.

He said the Comptroller General conducted border tours nationwide to assess the newly installed e-border solutions and engage with border communities.

Between January and October, Mr Mijinyawa said the National Park Service had apprehended 621 for various offences, prosecuted 466 individuals, and resolved 61 cases out of court.

According to him, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) distributed 42,000 metric tons of food to vulnerable populations in all 36 states of the federation, including the FCT.

He said the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on its part, implemented a series of special operations aimed at reducing road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities, including targeted patrols against overloading and tanker crashes.

“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, while 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.

“The Federal Fire Service (FFS) recorded 1,366 incidents from January to September, saving 292 lives and protecting property valued at ₦1.27 trillion.

“Despite a decline in incidents, the FFS remains focused on improving response mechanisms, equipment, and public awareness to further safeguard lives and property nationwide,’’ he said.

Mr Mijinyawa said the achievements were apparent dedication, resilience, and commitment of the security forces and response agencies to safeguard the nation.

He commended the bravery and sacrifices of all personnel who had continued to face evolving challenges with courage and determination.

(NAN)