NOA Mobilises Staff Against Planned Anti-EFCC Protest

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, as security agencies warn against the planned protests around the country.

This directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the commission, are mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government.

The director-general of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their 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 agency‘s 4,000 staff to work hard to support security agencies and prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, he said the government will continue to provide channels for citizens‘ feedback on government policies, programmes, and activities.

He said 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 suggests that corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security.