By Becky Momodu
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to unite against insurgency and other security threats, while commending the country’s security agencies for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the rescue operation as a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security efforts, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.
He said the month-long operation, carried out in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, led to the identification of terrorist kingpins, disruption of their logistics networks, neutralisation of their support structures and the safe rescue of the victims without concessions or ransom payments.
Issa-Onilu noted that the successful mission demonstrated that criminal elements could not outsmart a determined nation working in unity and with a common purpose.
The NOA boss urged Nigerians to support 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 insecurity.
“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.
He also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their courage, sacrifice and patriotism as a reminder of the price many continue to pay in safeguarding the nation.
Issa-Onilu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting national values, responsible citizenship and civic consciousness through its grassroots network across the country’s 774 local government areas.
According to him, the NOA will continue to mobilise communities and encourage greater public participation in efforts to build a peaceful, united and secure Nigeria.
He further urged Nigerians to take confidence in the successes being recorded by the nation’s security agencies, expressing optimism that through unity, resilience and collective action, the country would continue to overcome those seeking to undermine its peace and stability.