FG Records Decline in Insecurity, Boost in Anti-Corruption Gains — NOA

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Government says Nigeria recorded measurable progress in national security, anti-corruption efforts, and public trust in October 2025, according to data presented at the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) monthly Joint Security Press Briefing held in Abuja.

The briefing, jointly hosted by the NOA and key members of the security, defence, and intelligence community, provided a comprehensive update on the country’s security and transparency indicators for the month.

According to the latest figures which was presented by the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, arrests of major crime suspects rose from 42 in September to 56 in October—a 33 percent increase attributed to improved intelligence coordination.

The number of abducted victims rescued also rose from 19 to 27, particularly in Kogi and Zamfara States, while fatalities from violent crimes dropped from 210 to 185, representing a 12 percent decline.

Authorities also reported higher volumes of seized arms and ammunition, especially in the North-West and South-East, following several proactive interdictions. Cross-border interventions increased from four to seven incidents, reflecting stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies.

“The synergy among our security agencies has clearly improved, leading to faster interdictions and fewer casualties,” the NOA stated. “Government acknowledges the sacrifices of our security forces and reaffirms that data-driven collaboration and citizen intelligence remain central to sustaining national peace.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) reported the recovery of over ₦840 million and $919,000 in October alone, alongside two convictions, five new cases, and the inauguration of nine new Anti-Corruption Units across ministries and agencies.

Similarly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede, recoveries have reached over ₦566 billion and $411.6 million across 14 currencies in two years, with 1,502 properties forfeited.

Part of the recovered funds, Onilu noted, has been channeled into the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision of turning “recovery into public good.”

“The Federal Government is ensuring that every kobo recovered from corruption works for the people—funding education, credit, and health reforms rather than lying idle,” the NOA added.
Regulatory and enforcement agencies also reported significant results:

• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control seized over 70 containers of counterfeit and unsafe goods, shutting illegal warehouses in Lagos and Onitsha.

• National Drug Law Enforcement Agency dismantled 14 drug syndicates, arrested 1,378 suspects, and secured 251 convictions.

• Nigeria Immigration Service rescued 76 human trafficking victims and processed 15,000 visa applications under its new digital system.

• Federal Road Safety Corps recorded a 12 percent drop in fatal road crashes due to intensified “Ember Months” campaigns.

• Nigeria Correctional Services expanded its inmate rehabilitation and mental health programmes nationwide.

Overall enforcement actions rose by 28 percent in October, with convictions increasing by 19 percent and road-crash fatalities dropping by 11 percent.

The NOA reported that its national communication campaigns on security awareness, civic responsibility, and unity reached about 32 million Nigerians between August and October 2025 through radio, television, and digital channels.

Outreach increased by 28 percent compared to September, while misinformation fact-checking interventions grew by 40 percent. Community engagement clusters also expanded from 1,050 to 1,460 across the country.

“The media echo of verified government information is rising, while the spread of fake news is declining,” the Agency noted. “Information itself is a security tool—accurate information saves lives; misinformation costs them.”

The October data, according to the NOA, reflects a “whole-of-government approach” where coordination across ministries and agencies produces visible, data-backed outcomes—reduced insecurity, greater transparency, and renewed citizen engagement.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda continues to translate into measurable results—greater security, restored confidence, and institutional accountability,” Onilu concluded.
The government also called on citizens to remain vigilant, verify information before sharing, and work closely with traditional, youth, and faith leaders to maintain peace.

“Together, through courage, collaboration, and communication, we are reclaiming public confidence in our institutions,” the NOA said.