The Department of State Services (DSS) has sounded a note of caution regarding the upcoming nationwide protests in Nigeria, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10.
The security agency claims to have identified the sponsors behind the protests and warns that the event could be hijacked by criminal elements, potentially leading to widespread chaos and violence.
In a statement released by Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS spokesperson, the agency highlighted concerns over the political motives behind the planned protests.
According to the DSS, the protests appear to be a strategy to destabilize the government and possibly instigate a regime change.
The statement stressed that while peaceful protests are a democratic right, the potential for these demonstrations to turn violent is a significant concern.
“The DSS has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot,” the statement reads.
It further claims that “the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.”
The DSS accused the plotters of attempting to exploit the protests to smear both federal and state governments, aiming to make them appear unpopular and out of touch with the masses.
The agency warned that this could lead to a deterioration of public trust and order, creating an environment conducive to regime change efforts.
Additionally, the DSS revealed that it has uncovered the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators involved in orchestrating the protests.
However, rather than resorting to aggressive measures, the agency has opted for non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies.
These include moral persuasion, stakeholder engagement, and multi-track diplomatic efforts aimed at dissuading the protest organizers from their alleged plans.
In a bid to maintain peace and order, the DSS urged all prospective protesters to refrain from engaging in violent activities.
“The Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy, and spoliation,” the statement continued.
The DSS also called on various societal leaders and groups—including captains of industry, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society organizations, clergy, NGOs, and politicians—to reject any involvement in activities that could incite violence or disaffection.
The DSS stressed the importance of addressing grievances through peaceful means, noting that violence only leads to the destruction of lives and property, thereby distracting from governance.
The agency’s statement comes at a time of heightened tension in the country, with concerns over economic conditions and governance frequently making headlines.
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