NOA mobilizes 4,000 staff amidst EFCC protest warnings

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network, directing its 812 offices nationwide to identify hotspots and individuals involved in the upcoming demonstrations.

This move follows a recent report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicating that certain individuals, particularly those under investigation by the commission, are mobilizing youths, including school children, to stage nationwide protests against the government.

Reacting to the development, Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has instructed the mobilization of NOA’s 4,000 staff to support security agencies in maintaining law and order, emphasizing that the government will continue to provide channels for citizens to express feedback on policies, programs, and activities.

Stating that the promoters aim to destabilize the country and obstruct ongoing investigations into their illicit activities, he called on parents and well-meaning Nigerians to dissuade their children from participating in the planned protests.

“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.

He noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggests that corrupt individuals under investigation are orchestrating these protests to exploit them and threaten national peace and security.

NOA further urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency, or via the NOA’s “Say Something” platform on its Mobiliser app.