By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insurgency and other security threats, saying national unity is critical to defeating criminal elements seeking to destabilise the country.
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 carefully coordinated intelligence-led security operation.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, the Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, commended the professionalism, courage and commitment of Nigeria’s security agencies for carrying out the operation.
Issa-Onilu said the month-long operation in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and strategic planning.
According to him, security operatives identified key terrorist leaders, disrupted their logistics network, dismantled support structures and secured the safe rescue of the victims without paying ransom or making concessions.
He described the operation as evidence that criminal groups cannot overcome a united and determined nation.
The NOA Director-General urged Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, promptly reporting suspicious activities and refusing to promote ethnic, religious or political divisions that could weaken national security.
“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,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of their patriotism and commitment to protecting Nigerians.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting responsible citizenship, national values and civic responsibility through its presence in all 774 local government areas across the country.
The NOA boss encouraged Nigerians to remain confident in the ongoing efforts of security agencies, expressing optimism that unity, resilience and collective action would continue to strengthen the country’s fight against insurgency and other security challenges.
