Security, Emergency Agencies Record Major Gains in Fight Against Crime, Disasters

Nigeria's security, emergency management and law enforcement agencies have recorded significant operational successes in the first half of 2026, highlighting improvements in public safety, disaster response, anti-human trafficking efforts, border security and correctional services.

The achievements, announced during a joint security sector briefing coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), underscored the impact of enhanced collaboration among key agencies in tackling the country's evolving security and humanitarian challenges.

Leading the operational highlights, the Federal Fire Service disclosed that it responded to 491 fire incidents during the first quarter of the year, saving 1,725 lives and properties valued at more than ₦305 billion. The agency described the feat as evidence of improved emergency response capacity and ongoing efforts to minimise losses arising from fire outbreaks nationwide.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) also reported remarkable progress in strengthening security across custodial centres. The Service recorded zero prison breaks nationwide, thwarted an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into one of its facilities, recovered more than 1,167 prohibited items and reduced the national recidivism rate to 30 per cent through improved rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

Similarly, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intensified efforts to secure the nation's borders and curb transnational crimes. The Service repatriated 567 foreign nationals, rescued 563 victims of human trafficking, deported immigration offenders and expanded the deployment of technology-driven border surveillance systems to enhance border management and national security.

In the fight against human trafficking, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) recorded significant breakthroughs by rescuing more than 1,300 victims of trafficking and securing 83 convictions against traffickers and rapists, including several life sentences. The agency said the convictions reflect sustained efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and strengthen the administration of justice.

On the humanitarian front, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) disclosed that it provided relief and humanitarian assistance to 373,021 Nigerians affected by disasters and emergencies between January and June 2026. The agency added that it had intensified flood preparedness measures across vulnerable communities ahead of the peak of the rainy season to reduce the impact of anticipated flooding.

The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining coordinated operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime, drug trafficking, corruption and other emerging security threats.

They also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security and emergency agencies by providing credible and timely information, stressing that public cooperation remains indispensable to safeguarding lives and property.

According to the agencies, collective vigilance, sustained inter-agency collaboration and active public support are essential to restoring lasting peace, strengthening national security and ensuring a safer Nigeria.