The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to unite against insurgency and other security threats, saying the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
The appeal followed 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 signed by the Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised the gallantry, professionalism and dedication of the nation’s security agencies, describing the rescue mission as proof of the effectiveness of coordinated operations, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
Issa-Onilu particularly commended the month-long operation carried out in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, where security operatives reportedly identified terrorist kingpins, disrupted their logistics networks, dismantled support structures and rescued the victims without paying ransom or making concessions.
According to him, the successful operation demonstrates that criminal elements cannot prevail against a united nation working with determination and purpose.
He urged Nigerians to support 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 insecurity.
“The responsibility of securing our nation does not rest with government and security agencies alone. 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,” Issa-Onilu said.
The NOA Director-General also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their sacrifices as a testament to their patriotism and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to promoting national values, responsible citizenship and civic consciousness through its grassroots presence across the 774 local government areas of the country.
Issa-Onilu encouraged Nigerians to remain confident in the efforts of the nation’s security agencies, expressing optimism that unity, resilience and collective action would continue to strengthen the fight against those seeking to undermine Nigeria’s peace and security.
