Citizen Trust, Not Firepower, Is Nigeria’s Strongest Security Weapon — NOA DG‎

Citizen Trust, Not Firepower, Is Nigeria’s Strongest Security Weapon — NOA DG‎

By Abiola Adigun| Albarka 89.9 FM| October 15,2025

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has described citizen trust as Nigeria’s strongest security asset, stressing that no sustainable security architecture can thrive without public confidence.
Issa-Onilu made the remarks on Wednesday during the October edition of the National Joint Security Briefing held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The monthly briefing brings together top officials of Nigeria’s security, intelligence, enforcement, and regulatory agencies to provide updates on national security operations and coordination.
He said that security agencies maintained a strong operational tempo throughout September 2025, consolidating earlier gains and further weakening the capabilities of terrorist and criminal groups across the country.
“The most potent weapon against insecurity is not the gun, but the trust between citizens and the state,” Issa-Onilu said. “Without public confidence, no amount of hardware or intelligence can deliver lasting peace.”
Providing operational highlights, the NOA boss disclosed that the armed forces conducted 198 military operations nationwide during the month, repelled several attacks, and neutralised 11 ISWAP fighters in Borno and Yobe States.
He added that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered ₦446 million and secured restraining orders on another ₦173 million pending forfeiture. The commission’s preventive and enlightenment programmes, he said, reached over 41,000 Nigerians through workshops, risk assessments, and targeted social media campaigns.
On economic and border operations, Issa-Onilu said the Nigeria Customs Service generated ₦658.6 billion in September, intercepted arms and surveillance drones in the Southwest, and earned commendation from the Airline Operators of Nigeria for its engagement and transparency efforts.
The Nigerian Police Force, he added, recorded 2,547 arrests, dismantled 37 criminal gangs, recovered 212 firearms, ₦250 million, and 5,000 litres of smuggled fuel during the same period.
On the growing concern about insecurity in parts of Kwara State, Issa-Onilu disclosed that a full army brigade had been deployed to the state, with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division relocating to directly oversee operations.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other agencies — including the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) — for their efforts in enhancing national safety