The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has declared that the war against insecurity cannot be won by the government alone.
In a New Year message released on Friday, Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and religious divisions.
He stressed that a “spirit of patriotism and collective responsibility” is the nation’s most potent weapon against the forces of terror.
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Issa-Onilu emphasised that insecurity often flourishes in gaps where citizens feel disconnected from the “Nigerian project.”
He argued that restoring peace requires a widespread revival of national values across all 774 local government areas.
“The battle against insecurity can only be won through the active involvement and cooperation of all citizens,” Issa-Onilu noted.
“Collective action is the most effective weapon against forces threatening national peace and development.”
Highlighting recent breakthroughs, the NOA boss specifically commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive leadership.
He pointed to the successful coordination with the United States that led to strategic airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in late December 2025 as a turning point in national security.
Issa-Onilu described these international partnerships as a validation of global confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture and a clear message that the President is committed to protecting all Nigerians.
He issued a direct appeal to the nation’s “moral compasses”—traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups.
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He urged them to actively counter narratives meant to divide along regional or ethnic lines, foster a culture of respect for the rule of law within their communities and harness the energy of Nigeria’s young population for peace-building and national development.
Issa-Onilu expressed hope for a fulfilled 2026, urging citizens to remain “hopeful and committed to a better Nigeria” while identifying as “Real Nigerians” in both spirit and action.
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