NOA Mobilizes 4000 Staff to Counter EFCC Protest, Warns Against Violence

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has activated its civil intelligence network to identify and track individuals involved in the planned protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The agency has directed its 812 offices nationwide to monitor incident spots and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

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According to NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, “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.”

He 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.

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Issa-Onilu warned parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against participating in the protest, stating that the promoters of the uprising seek to destabilize the country and cut short investigations into their nefarious activities.

He urged Nigerians to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest EFCC office or law enforcement agency or reach the NOA through the “Say Something” platform on the agency’s app, Mobiliser.

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The EFCC had earlier reported that certain individuals, especially those being investigated by the Commission, are mobilizing youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide protest against the government. Security agencies have warned against the planned protests, citing potential violence and destabilization.

In a statement, Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Press, NOA, said the agency will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on government policies, programmes, and activities, but will not tolerate any attempt to compromise national security.