The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insurgency and other security threats.
The call comes on the heels of the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a painstaking intelligence-led operation by security agencies.
Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement by the Agency Deputy Director,
Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, emphasized that the country’s diversity remains its greatest strength and must not be exploited by criminal elements determined to spread fear, division and instability.
Issa-Onilu applauded the courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment of the nation’s security forces, describing the rescue mission as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security operations, robust intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
He commended the month-long operation carried out in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, where security operatives reportedly identified terrorist kingpins, dismantled their logistics networks, neutralised support structures and secured the safe release of the victims without paying ransom or making concessions.
According to Issa-Onilu, the successful operation demonstrates that criminal elements cannot prevail against a nation united by purpose, resilience and effective collaboration.
The NOA boss urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of 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 terrorism.
He stressed that national security is a shared responsibility, noting that citizens play a critical role by providing credible information, cooperating with security agencies and rejecting divisive narratives capable of undermining national unity.
Mallam Issa-Onilu also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their sacrifice, patriotism and selflessness as a reflection of the enormous price many continue to pay in defence of the nation.
He reaffirmed the National Orientation Agency’s commitment to promoting responsible citizenship, national values and civic consciousness through its extensive grassroots network across the 774 local government areas of the country.
Expressing confidence in the nation’s security architecture, the NOA Director-General urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast, insisting that through unity, resilience and collective action, the country will continue to record victories against those seeking to threaten its peace, security and development.
