Reject criminality, support security agencies, Nigerians urged

Michael Olumide

Director of Media and Publicity of the Presidential Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, Amb. Timothy Nwachukwu, has urged Nigerians to reject every form of criminality and support security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes, warning that any engagement with suspected criminals, including participation in online giveaways, poses a serious threat to national security.

Reacting to reports that several Nigerians willingly submitted their phone numbers, bank account details and other personal information to participate in the online giveaway, Nwachukwu said the incident reflects a worrying trend in which criminal elements are gradually gaining public attention and acceptance through social media platforms.

According to him, the willingness of citizens to engage with individuals suspected to be involved in criminal activities for financial rewards not only undermines ongoing efforts to combat insecurity but also inadvertently strengthens criminal networks by giving them public visibility and legitimacy.

He stressed that no Nigerian should, under any circumstance, celebrate, patronise or encourage individuals linked to banditry, kidnapping, terrorism or other violent crimes, warning that such actions could expose participants to serious security risks, including identity theft, financial fraud and possible recruitment into criminal activities.

“The decision by some Nigerians to submit their account numbers and engage with suspected bandits under the guise of participating in an online giveaway is highly condemnable. Criminals should not be celebrated, patronised or encouraged in any form. Every Nigerian has a responsibility to support the fight against insecurity rather than provide avenues for criminals to gain public sympathy or legitimacy,” he stated.

Nwachukwu noted that while security agencies continue to make significant sacrifices in the fight against banditry and terrorism across different parts of the country, citizens also have an important role to play by demonstrating responsible conduct both offline and online.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid every form of communication or interaction with persons or groups linked to criminal activities, stressing that social media should never become a platform for glorifying criminality or promoting unlawful behaviour.

The committee’s spokesman further appealed to members of the public to cooperate fully with security agencies by providing credible and timely information capable of assisting intelligence gathering, investigations and the identification of those responsible for using digital platforms to advance criminal activities.

According to him, defeating insecurity requires a collective national effort involving government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens.

Nwachukwu commended the commitment and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for sustaining operations against bandits, kidnappers and terrorists despite the numerous challenges confronting them.

He said the Presidential Special Committee on Campaign Against Social Vices in Secondary and Tertiary Institutions remains committed to promoting ethical values, responsible citizenship and security consciousness among young Nigerians through sustained advocacy and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The committee, he explained, was established to combat social vices in educational institutions while working with government agencies, security organisations and community stakeholders to promote discipline, positive values and national development.

Nwachukwu concluded by calling on Nigerians to reject every attempt to glorify criminality, insisting that the fight against insecurity can only succeed when citizens refuse to provide criminals with publicity, sympathy or financial encouragement.

He urged all Nigerians to unite behind ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and support initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace, public safety and national security across the country.