The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to support the security agencies in enhancing surveillance and intelligence gathering to combat the myriad of security
By Sunday John
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to support the security agencies in enhancing surveillance and intelligence gathering to combat the myriad of security challenges in the country.
Lanre Issa-Oniru, the Director General of NOA, made call at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on National Values and Government Policies, on Friday in Lafia.
The director general, represented by Mr Augustine Akwe-Doma, NOA’s Director in Nasarawa State, emphasised the importance of citizens’ participation in crime prevention.
He advised Nigerians to regularly share information about early warning signals with security agencies to enable them to promptly respond to threats.
“Effective intelligence gathering is crucial in detecting and preventing potential threats.
“You stay in communities, so, you must reports the movements or activities of suspicious groups to relevant authorities.
“The country is facing various security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, among others.
“These challenges require a collaborative approach to address them,”he said.
The director general also called on the public, particularly those living in flood-prone communities, to adhere to the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
He called on the communities in high risk areas to temporarily relocate to safer grounds.
Issa-Oniru also warned students of tertiary institutions against “sign-out” celebration during graduation.
He said the trend had so far led to avoidable accidents and anti-social activities that were before not allowed in schools and the society in general.
He advised that the students should rather focus on better academic performance and good character that would leave behind beautiful memories.
On the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, Issa-Oniru said that the current administration had introduced bold reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and fostering steady growth.
“The government has invested in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, among others, to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic activities in the country.
“The government has prioritise education through massive investment in infrastructure and the training and retraining of lecturers, the student loan scheme, among others,” he added.
Speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Mukhtar Wakeel, said that security agents must be armed with information from law-abiding citizens to enable them to do their work with ease.
Also speaking, Mr Shetima Jauro-Mohammed, Commissioner of Police in the state, represented by the Area Commander, Mr Danjuma Ragga, appealed to the public to support the security agencies with useful information to promptly tackle any security breach.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Jama’atu Nasril Islam in attendance.
Also, women and youths groups, traditional rulers and community leaders, student bodies, civil society organisations, among others were in attendance.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).