The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says it has mobilised 4,000 of its personnel nationwide to track the activities of a group organising a protest against the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On Wednesday, the EFCC said parents and guardians should warn their wards not to be part of a planned protest by a “shadowy group” against its operations.
The anti-graft agency said the planned protest is aimed at resisting its operational activities, especially in areas relating to cybercrime.
In a statement on Thursday, Lanre Issa-Onilu, director general of NOA, said the agency has activated its civil intelligence network and 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals involved in the planned protest.
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Issa-Onilu reechoed the EFCC’s warning, asking parents and guardians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest.
“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,” the statement reads.
“The promoters of the uprising seek to destabilise the country and cut short investigations into their nefarious activities.”
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The NOA boss urged the 4,000 staff of the agency to provide support to security operatives to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country.
He noted that while the government respects citizens’ right to protest, there is evidence that “corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution are behind this plot, seeking to exploit the protest and threaten national peace and security”.
Issa-Onilu also 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.
He added that the government will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, programmes and activities.
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