Support surveillance, intelligence gathering to tackle insecurity- NOA urges Nigerians

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to support the security agencies in enhancing surveillance and intelligence gathering to combat insecurity in the country.

Lanre Issa-Oniru, Director General (DG) of NOA, called at a one-day stakeholders engagement on national values and government policies on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The DG, represented by Mr Augustine Akwe-Doma, Nasarawa State Director of the agency, emphasised the importance of citizens' participation in crime prevention

He noted that members of the public should always share information about early warning signals with security agencies to enable them to respond promptly and to effectively deal with the threat.

"Effective intelligence gathering is crucial in detecting and preventing potential threats; therefore, you stay in communities, so when you see suspicious groups, movements or activities, you report promptly for onward action. 

"The country is facing various security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes, which require a collaborative approach to address," the NOA boss added.

The DG also called on the public, especially those living in flood-prone communities, to heed the warning by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and relocate temporarily to avoid casualties in case of flooding.

Issa-Oniru also warned students of tertiary institutions against the sign-out celebration for graduating students.

He said the sign-out celebration had so far led to avoidable accidents and anti-social activities that were not allowed in the schools and society.

He advised that the students should rather focus more on better academic performance, and good character to leave behind memories they can be proud of in future.

On the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, the DG said that the administration had introduced bold economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and fostering growth.

"The government had also invested in infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, among others, to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activities in the country.

"The government has priorities, education by massive investment in infrastructure and the training and retraining of lecturers, and a student loan scheme, among others," he added.

The DG, therefore, urged Nigerians to respect the national symbols and support the agency in reorienting those in the habit of abusing the flag, Naira and National anthem and pledge, among others.

On his part, Dr  Mukhtar Wakeel, Chairman of the event stated that security agents must be armed with information from law-abiding citizens to enable them to do their work seamlessly. 

Also contributing, Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, Commissioner of Police in the state, represented by the Area Commander, Danjuma Ragga, expressed sadness that two students of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, lost their lives recently while marking the sign-out celebration.

He explained that the students celebrated the premises of the institution, despite efforts of the police personnel to prevent them from observing the unwholesome act.

The police Commissioner, therefore, appealed to the public to always provide them with useful information as fighting insecurity is not the responsibility of the security agencies alone.

The engagement was attended by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jama'atu Nasril Islam, Women and Youths groups, traditional rulers and community leaders, student bodies, civil society organisations, among others. (NAN).