The National Orientation Agency, NOA, has called on Nigerians to unite against insurgency and other security threats, while commending security agencies for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Agency’s Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths and should not be exploited by criminal elements seeking to create fear, division and instability.
Issa-Onilu praised the professionalism, gallantry and dedication of the nation’s security agencies, describing the rescue operation as evidence of what coordinated action, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration can achieve.
He particularly commended the month-long operation carried out in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, where security operatives identified terrorist kingpins, dismantled logistics networks, neutralised support structures and rescued the victims without paying ransom or making concessions.
According to him, the operation demonstrates that criminal groups cannot overcome a nation united by purpose and determination.
The NOA Director-General urged citizens to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities and reject ethnic, religious or political divisions capable of weakening the country’s 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.
He 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 Nigeria’s safety.
He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to promoting responsible citizenship, national values and civic consciousness through its grassroots presence in all 774 local government areas, pledging continued community engagement to foster a peaceful, united and secure nation.
The NOA boss further urged Nigerians to draw confidence from the achievements of the security agencies, expressing optimism that through unity, resilience and collective action, the country would continue to defeat those seeking to undermine its peace and progress.
