By NIGERIA’S National Orientation Agency (NOA) says it has mobilised 4,000 of its staff across the country to track people promoting violence.
The agency said that it has
activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals, nationwide, involved in the planned protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that security agencies have warned against the planned protests around the country by certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the commission.
Those being prosecuted by the antigraft agency are believed to be the brain behind the mobilisation of youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government.
Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, also urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest.
He said the promoters of the uprising sought to destabilise the country and cut short investigation into their nefarious activities.
He said the agency has directed its 4,000 staff to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country.
It further said that the government would continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programmes and activities.
“A group has been recruiting young Nigerians, including students, through social media to protest against the EFCC’s operational activities, particularly in enforcing cybercrime laws,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA DG noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind the plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.
The NOA, therefore, urged Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app, Mobiliser.
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