The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has warned the general public of the possibility that agents of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) are scouting to recruit Nigerian youths as fighters, urging the public to be at alert and shun any such recruitment attempts.
The NOA Director General and Coordinator, National Information Center (NIC), Mr. Mike Omeri disclosed this in a statement, citing intelligence reports.
Omeri said recent intelligence reports indicate that three South Africans were among fighters recruited by ISIS agents operating in the guise of humanitarian support groups for refugees and orphans. Furthermore, he noted that ISIS was scouting for fighters around the Islamic world and Africa, urging Nigerians to avoid being deceived into joining the terror group as that is contrary to the true nature and spirit of Nigerians.
The NOA boss said “Nigerians are known the world over to be selfless, hospitable and humanitarian. We believe in the brotherhood of all mankind and no one should be allowed to take advantage of these virtues or turn them into vices. Nigerians are therefore advised to report to security agencies without hesitation, any group or non-governmental agency whose overt or covert activities are suspicious or have tendencies to jeopardize the innocence of our youth and the security of our people wherever they are in the world.”
He reassured Nigerians that government was leaving no room to chance in the fight against terror and the protection of lives and property, urging Nigerians to increase their confidence in government’s security efforts, show greater cooperation with security the agencies and ensure stricter compliance with security tips which are currently running on print and electronic media platforms.
