The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against the planned nationwide protest against the economic hardship in the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, the DSS revealed that it has identified the sponsors of the protest and urged them to abandon their plans, citing national interest.
According to the press statement signed by Dr. Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS has intelligence indicating that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums to incite chaos and extreme violence.
The agency claims the ultimate aim of the protest organizers is to instigate a regime change at the federal level.
“The DSS has been monitoring the discussions around the planned protests in various parts of the country. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, there is a confirmed plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protests and use them to create widespread violence,” the statement read.
“The DSS has been monitoring the discussions around the planned protests in various parts of the country. While peaceful protest is a democratic right, there is a confirmed plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protests and use them to create widespread violence,” the statement read.
The DSS also highlighted that the planners intend to use the violent outcomes of the protest to discredit both federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular and pitting them against the populace. The agency has identified the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators behind the protest.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the DSS stated that it prefers non-aggressive measures, such as moral suasion, stakeholder engagement, and multi-track diplomacy, to dissuade the planners from their objectives. The agency urged the protest groups to refrain from any form of violence or anarchy.
The DSS called on all citizens, including leaders of thought, industry captains, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society, and others, to avoid participating in any orchestrated violence. Parents, guardians, and heads of traditional and academic institutions were also advised to discourage their wards from joining the protest.
The DSS emphasized the importance of peace and urged the prospective protesters to engage with the authorities through peaceful means. The agency affirmed its commitment to working with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order, using all legitimate methods if necessary.
