NOA mobilises 4,000 staff to track ‘promoters ‘of planned protest against EFCC

By Abubakar Yunusa

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices nationwide to identify incident spots and individuals involved in the planned protest.

This directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the commission, are mobilizing youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government.

Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement shared through the agency’s Deputy Director of Press, Paul Odenyi, on Thursday urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest.

He said the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilize the country and cut short investigations into their nefarious activities.

While directing the 4,000 staff of the agency to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, he stated that the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programs, 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.

Issa-Onilu noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.

He , therefore, urges 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.