The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to Nigerians to take an active role in addressing the country’s security challenges and fostering national unity. In a statement released Tuesday, Director‑General Lan‑Lanre Issa‑Onilu warned that citizens can no longer remain passive observers as insecurity threatens stability across the federation.
Issa‑Onilu emphasized that “the government cannot do it alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring peace and security in their communities. We must act together to protect our nation and strengthen unity.” He called on the public to support official security efforts through heightened vigilance, prompt reporting of suspicious activities, and cooperation with law‑enforcement agencies.
The agency’s message arrives amid a surge in attacks by criminal gangs, bandits and insurgent groups in the north, as well as rising incidents of communal violence in the south‑west and south‑east. Analysts note that the fragmented response to these threats has hampered coordination among federal, state and local authorities, prompting the NOA to stress the importance of community‑level engagement.
In addition to urging ordinary citizens, the NOA cautioned against divisive rhetoric and indifference, describing both as catalysts that deepen existing tensions. The agency highlighted recent instances where inflammatory statements on social media and in local gatherings have inflamed ethnic and religious fault lines, undermining efforts to maintain peace.
To counter such dynamics, the NOA appealed to traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth organisations and civil‑society groups to intensify sensitisation programmes that promote tolerance, dialogue and national cohesion. The agency said these stakeholders are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, disseminate accurate information and model inclusive behaviour in their respective constituencies.
The call for collective action reflects a broader policy shift by the federal government, which in recent months has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening community policing, expanding intelligence sharing and enhancing inter‑agency coordination. While these measures target the operational side of security, the NOA’s outreach underscores the parallel need for societal resilience and a shared sense of responsibility.
The agency concluded that national unity remains a shared responsibility and that sustained, coordinated effort from all sectors of society is essential to building a safer, more stable Nigeria. NOA officials indicated that follow‑up workshops and town‑hall meetings will be organised in the coming weeks to operationalise the appealed‑for community engagement.
