ABUJA – As security agencies warn against the planned protests against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has ac­tivateditscivilintelligencenetwork, ordering its 812 offices around the country to identify incident spots and individuals nationwide in­volved in the planned protest.

According to a statement by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Press, the directive comes as the EFCC reported that certain indi­viduals, especially those being in­vestigated by the commission, are mobilising youths, including school children, to stage a nationwide pro­test against the government.

Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, also urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to advise their wards against getting involved in the planned protest, saying the pro­moters of the uprising seek to de­stabilise the country and cut short investigation into their nefarious activities.

While directing the 4000 staff of the agency to work hard to pro­vide support to security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the country, it said the gov­ernment will continue to provide channels for citizens’ feedback on any government policies, pro­grammes and activities.

“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,” Issa-Onilu said.

The NOA DG 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.

NOA, therefore, urges 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.