FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to actively support security agencies through surveillance and intelligence sharing as part of efforts to tackle the growing security challenges in the country.
The Director General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Oniru, made this call during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on national values and government policies held in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Represented by Mr Augustine Akwe-Doma, the Nasarawa State Director of the agency, Issa-Oniru stated that, citizen participation is vital in crime prevention.
He explained that timely information from residents on suspicious activities, movements, or gatherings would help security agencies respond more effectively to threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
“Effective intelligence gathering is crucial in detecting and preventing potential threats. Citizens must stay alert and promptly report suspicious groups or activities to security operatives for immediate action,” he said.
Beyond security, Issa-Oniru also warned communities living in flood-prone areas to heed the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) warnings and temporarily relocate to safer places to prevent avoidable disasters.
On social conduct, the DG cautioned students of tertiary institutions against the growing trend of sign-out celebrations, which he noted have caused avoidable accidents and anti-social behaviors. He advised students to focus instead on academic excellence and positive legacies.
Highlighting the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Issa-Oniru pointed to bold economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and investments in education, including the student loan scheme, as clear indicators of progress.
He further urged Nigerians to respect national symbols such as the flag, anthem, pledge, and Naira, stressing that NOA would continue its campaign against their abuse.
In a remark Dr Mukhtar Wakeel, Chairman of the event, emphasized the need for law-abiding citizens to feed security agencies with intelligence. The Commissioner of Police in the state, represented by Area Commander Danjuma Ragga, expressed concern over the recent deaths of two students of Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, during sign-out celebrations, noting that insecurity is a collective challenge requiring public cooperation.
The event brought together representatives of religious groups, traditional rulers, youth and women organizations, student unions, civil society groups, and community leaders.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
