The National Orientation Agency has cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified information, especially on social media, warning that such actions fuel panic and undermine public confidence in security operations.
The Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the warning on Monday during the NOA’s monthly joint security press briefing in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu urged citizens to report suspicious movements, illegal activities, and substandard products to official hotlines and digital platforms of relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, and others.
He called on Nigerians to obey traffic laws, shun bribery, and participate actively in civic awareness programmes to strengthen national security and public order.
The NOA boss also appealed to the media to verify information before publication and amplify factual reports and advisories from authorised sources such as the NDLEA, NAFDAC, Immigration Service, and the Armed Forces.
According to him, the media should project messages of unity, resilience, and hope to counter divisive narratives and misinformation.
“Securing the country goes beyond military operations. It rests on collaboration, vigilance, and mutual trust.
“Your vigilance saves lives. Your voice matters. Your cooperation strengthens national security,”Issa-Onilu said.
He also encouraged journalists to participate in NOA-organised trainings on ethical and responsible security reporting, disinformation tracking, and peace journalism.
Issa-Onilu noted that the September joint security report reflected government’s renewed commitment to protecting lives and property under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Highlighting recent security gains, he disclosed that the Nigerian Army conducted 196 operations nationwide, neutralising terrorists, rescuing kidnapped victims, and dismantling illegal arms networks.
He said the NDLEA arrested 1,703 drug suspects and seized over 212,000 kilogrammes of narcotics, while NAFDAC confiscated several fake and unregistered products across the country.
The Nigerian Correctional Service foiled attempts to smuggle drugs into the Kuje Custodial Centre, and the Federal Road Safety Corps responded to 589 crashes, rescuing 3,848 people in September.
Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service generated N658.6 billion in revenue, intercepted firearms and contraband, and the Immigration Service thwarted human trafficking and illegal migration across borders.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission recovered over N600 million and secured three convictions, while the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit flagged illegal mining as a source of terrorism financing.
Issa-Onilu said these coordinated actions by Nigeria’s security, enforcement, and regulatory agencies demonstrate the government’s dedication to safety, integrity, and inclusive governance.
He reaffirmed that national security requires the active participation of every citizen, noting that mutual trust and accurate information are vital to sustaining peace.
“From conflict zones to correctional reforms, our focus remains citizen-centred. The public must work hand in hand with government to secure our nation,” he said.