Nigerian police have killed 78 suspected terrorists and rescued 175 kidnap victims in the past month as part of intensified nationwide security operations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) said on Monday.

NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu told a joint security press briefing in Abuja that police conducted 326 operations during the period, arresting 2,109 suspects and dismantling 62 criminal gangs.

He said the operations also came at a cost, with 16 police officers killed in the line of duty and 49 verified civilian deaths linked to security incidents.

Significant recoveries included 142 firearms, 1,730 rounds of ammunition, and large quantities of narcotics and prohibited substances. Among the seizures were 218 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 24 capsules of Tramadol, 440 units of Exol, 68 sachets of Pregabalin, 146 bottles of “suck and die”, and 63 containers of “rubber solution”.

Anti-smuggling efforts led to the interception of 199 cartons of imported toothpaste, while asset recoveries included 79 motor vehicles, 10 tricycles, 17 motorcycles, and over N10 million in cash.

Issa-Onilu said the federal government had escalated security operations nationwide, merging tactical enforcement with intelligence-led interventions to combat banditry, insurgency, trafficking and other crimes.

“From the North-East to the Niger Delta, our security forces are reclaiming the peace, one operation at a time. Nigeria is fighting back decisively and collaboratively,” he said.

The NOA chief urged citizens and the media to report security threats, avoid spreading unverified information, and work with authorities to safeguard communities. (The Guardian)