The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals nationwide involved in the planned protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as security agencies warned against the planned protests around the country.
The directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the Commission, were mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government.
Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their children and wards against getting involved in the planned protest, saying the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilise the country and cut short investigations into their nefarious activities.
While directing the 4,000 staff of the agency to work hard to provide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, he said the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programs, and activities.
He noted that 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.
The NOA DG noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, evidence suggested that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution were behind the plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.
Issa-Onilu, therefore, urged Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or any law enforcement agency, or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app, Mobiliser.
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