The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned Nigerians against spreading fake or unverified information, particularly on social media, warning that misinformation fuels panic and undermines public confidence in the nation’s security operations.
Speaking during the Agency’s monthly joint security press briefing in Abuja, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said security agencies recorded significant progress in the fight against insecurity in September 2025, noting that operations during the month were more proactive compared to previous months.
Issa-Onilu explained that the briefing—organised in collaboration with Nigeria’s security and enforcement agencies—was aimed at promoting a coordinated, data-driven narrative on government efforts to enhance national security.
He said: “This month, intelligence services moved more decisively from response to prevention. By intercepting arms couriers across Niger, Plateau, Kaduna, Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Katsina before weapons could reach terror cells, the intelligence community demonstrated maturity in proactive surveillance.”
According to him, the Nigerian Army conducted 196 operations across the country, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling illegal arms networks. These efforts, he noted, led to the rescue of 76 hostages in Katsina and the surrender of 30 terrorists with their families in Borno State.
He added that the Armed Forces effectively combined precision operations with humanitarian safeguarding, supported by improved logistics, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with local security networks.
On other security fronts, Issa-Onilu disclosed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 1,703 drug suspects and seized over 212,000 kilogrammes of narcotics, while NAFDAC confiscated fake and unregistered products nationwide. The Nigerian Correctional Service, he added, foiled attempts to smuggle drugs into the Kuje Custodial Centre, and the Federal Road Safety Corps responded to 589 road crashes, rescuing 3,848 people.
He further revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service generated N658.6 billion in revenue and intercepted arms and contraband, while the Immigration Service prevented multiple cases of human trafficking and illegal migration across borders.
Similarly, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered over ₦600 million and secured three convictions, while the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) identified illegal mining as a major source of terrorism financing.
Issa-Onilu said these outcomes underscore the government’s renewed commitment to protecting lives and property under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasised that national security requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to report suspicious movements, illegal activities, and substandard products to official hotlines and digital platforms of relevant agencies such as the Police, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.
“The public must work hand in hand with the government to secure our nation,” he said. “Your vigilance saves lives. Your voice matters. Your cooperation strengthens national security.”
The NOA boss also appealed to the media to verify information before publication, project messages of unity and resilience, and amplify factual reports from authorised agencies to counter misinformation.
“Securing the country goes beyond military operations,” Issa-Onilu stated. “It rests on collaboration, vigilance, and mutual trust.”
He further encouraged journalists to take part in NOA-organised training on ethical security reporting, disinformation tracking, and peace journalism to strengthen responsible communication on national security issues.
