BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – The federal government war on corruption was recently boosted with the recovery of over N500 billion and $400 million dollars across 14 countries within two years.
Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who announced this at the Monthly Joint Security Press Briefing in Abuja, disclosed that the government specifically recovered N566.3 billion Naira and 411.6 million dollars.
Issa-Onilu, who spoke on behalf of the defence and intelligence community, said that over 1, 500 properties were forfeited to the federal government within the time under review, adding that out of the recovered funds, N100 billion was reinvested into the Students Loans Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme.
The NOA DG said that most recoveries were returned to individuals, especially victims of fraud, as determined by the courts, adding that most forfeited cars were distributed to government agencies for official use.
Issa-Onilu also said that the forfeited 753 Housing Units comprising of duplexes and other apartments were handed over to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for renovations.
In the words of Issa-Onilu; “Rather than lying idle, recovered assets are allocated to public institutions for service delivery, funding education and health reforms, ensuring funds recovered from corruption are out to work for the people”.
The NOA Director General also gave highlights on some of the regulatory and enforcement activities by various agencies in the month of October, 2025, saying that within the month, the Nigerian Immigration Services rescued no fewer than 76 victims of human trafficking just as the Service processed over 15,000 visa applications under the new digital system.
Similarly, Issa-Onilu said the Federal Road Safety Corps on its part recorded over 12 per cent drop in fatal crashes following her intensified ‘Ember Months’ Campaigns.
According to Issa-Onilu; “Comparing analysis between the month of September and October this year, the intelligence community partnership expanded from 1,050 to 1,460 grassroots clusters. Outreach rose by 28 percent just as public trust and vigilance improved while the spread of fake news declined significantly”.
Reacting to President Donald Trump’s decision to attack Nigeria, the NOA DG said it was clear that the United States of America was in error concerning intelligence gathering.
Issa-Onilu specifically noted that the recent changes of Service Chiefs, the lift of ban of sale of weapons on Nigeria were clear indicators that the country was on top of her game and doesn’t need any external support in terms of security.
He said that the fact remains that Christians and other religions are suffering the same issues of banditry in the country and therefore called on all citizens to be more vigilant, report all suspicious activities promptly, verify information before sharing on social media.
Issa-Onilu also urged Nigerians to partner locally and support enforcement by cooperating with security agencies to save lives.
Speaking during questions and answers, the representative of the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Usuku emphasised the need for citizens to support security agencies by providing useful information through the Police Complaint Boxes in every Police Station.
Usuku also encouraged Nigerians to ensure they have the contact of the Divisional Police Officer close to them and also make use of the Police Control Room numbers to report issues without fear of compromise on the side of the Police and other agencies.
He said; “Come let’s build up trust again and close the gaps between us so we can win together against corruption”.
