By Chinedu Echianu
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to unite against insurgency and other security threats, saying the country’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and must not be exploited by criminal elements seeking to create fear, division and instability.
The appeal follows the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State after what the agency described as a painstaking intelligence-led security operation.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Director, Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, the Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended the gallantry, professionalism and commitment of the nation’s security agencies.
Issa-Onilu said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated action, intelligence gathering and collaboration among security agencies in protecting lives and safeguarding national security.
He particularly praised the month-long operation carried out in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, noting that security operatives successfully identified terrorist kingpins, disrupted their logistics networks, dismantled their support structures and rescued the victims without paying ransom or making concessions.
According to him, the operation sends a strong message that criminal groups cannot overcome a nation united in purpose and determined to defeat insecurity.
The NOA boss urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious activities promptly and refusing to allow ethnic, religious or political differences to weaken the country’s collective resolve against terrorism and other forms of criminality.
“The responsibility of securing our nation does not rest with government and security agencies alone,” Issa-Onilu said.
“Every Nigerian has a role to play. When citizens cooperate with security agencies, share credible information and reject narratives that divide us, we strengthen our collective ability to protect our communities and preserve our country.”
He also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their sacrifice, courage and patriotism as a testament to their commitment to keeping Nigeria safe.
Issa-Onilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting national values, responsible citizenship and civic consciousness through its grassroots presence in all 774 local government areas of the country.
He said the agency would continue to engage communities, mobilise citizens and encourage greater public participation in efforts to build a peaceful, united and secure Nigeria.
The NOA Director-General further urged Nigerians to draw confidence from the successes recorded by security agencies and remain steadfast in the belief that unity, resilience and collective action would help the country overcome threats to its peace and stability.
