The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA), has expressed sympathy with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over what it described as misleading and politically motivated narratives surrounding the involvement of civilian volunteers in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The group described attempts to portray these volunteers negatively as “unreasonable and irresponsible,” stressing that they are allies who risk their lives daily to protect communities.
In a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Richard Olatunji Kayode, the group lamented what it called the deliberate manipulation of public discourse by certain individuals, warning that such actions undermine the collective efforts of security agencies and threaten national security.
OPA cited recent developments in Kwara State, noting that the activities of civilian volunteers supporting the military had been unfairly misrepresented.
The group urged stakeholders, especially security agencies, to resist being drawn into inter-agency rivalries or divisive narratives that could weaken their effectiveness.
Kayode said: “It is both insane and unreasonable for anyone to attempt to twist this narrative, portraying these dedicated individuals as anything but allies in the fight for peace and security. Such actions are not only irresponsible but also detrimental to the morale of those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities.
“The practice of employing civilian volunteers in support of military operations is not without precedent in Nigeria. Under the administrations of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, various civilian outfits, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF), played critical roles in combating insurgency in the northeastern region of the country.
“These initiatives were not only recognized but celebrated as vital components of our national security architecture. The success of these collaborations demonstrated the power of community involvement in addressing security challenges and highlighted the importance of a united front against terrorism.
“The Odua People’s Assembly firmly believes that the current situation calls for a concerted effort to dispel the misleading narratives being propagated by certain factions. We urge all stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, to resist the temptation to be drawn into inter-agency rivalries that could compromise their effectiveness.
“It is crucial that we maintain a cohesive approach to national security, one that prioritizes collaboration over division. The challenges we face demand unity, not discord.”
OPA also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain vigilant against political manoeuvres aimed at exploiting insecurity for selfish interests, cautioning that sensationalised narratives could distract the government from addressing real security concerns.
Kayode emphasized the need for unity, coordination and collaboration in addressing the country’s security challenges.
He said: “There are those who seek to exploit insecurity for their own gain, aiming to undermine the government and jeopardize the President’s chances for re-election. It is imperative that the administration remains vigilant against such tactics and focuses on the genuine issues at hand, rather than being sidetracked by sensationalized narratives.
“The Odua People’s Assembly stands firmly in support of the Office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies engaged in the fight against terrorism. We commend the efforts of civilian volunteers who have chosen to stand with our military in these trying times.
“Together, we must foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect, ensuring that our collective efforts yield the peace and security that our nation so desperately needs.
“We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in their support for our security forces and to reject any attempts to distort the truth for political gain.”