DSS warns against planned nationwide protest, identifies sponsors

The DSS, in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunaya, acknowledged that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it has uncovered a sinister agenda by certain elements aiming to infiltrate the protest to incite disorder and extreme violence.

The statement further indicated that the DSS has identified the political motivations behind the protest, noting that the plotters intend to leverage the anticipated violent outcomes to discredit federal and local governments, diminish their popularity, and turn them against the public with the long-term goal of achieving a regime change, particularly at the federal level.

“Although peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some individuals to infiltrate it and incite chaos and extreme violence,” the statement affirmed.

The DSS also mentioned that it has located the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators involved in the plot, and is therefore appealing to parents, guardians, and leaders of traditional and educational institutions to counsel their children, wards, subjects, and students against participating in the planned protest.

“The Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it believes that aggression should not be the primary response to the situation,” the DSS stated.

The statement concluded by asserting that the DSS will collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and will employ all legitimate means necessary to achieve this goal.

The protest is scheduled for August 1 and aims to protest against the ongoing economic hardship in the country.

However, government officials are calling for patience and urging the organizers to trust in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.