DSS Warns Impending Protesters, Identifies Sponsors Of Nationwide Protest

The Department of State Services (DSS) issued a warning on Thursday against the planned nationwide protest over the country’s hardship.

The DSS claimed to have identified the protest’s sponsors and urged them to halt their plans, stating that the protest is not in Nigeria’s best interest.

In a statement signed by Dr. Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS warned that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums to incite chaos and extreme violence. The statement also suggested that the organizers aim to incite a regime change at the federal level.

The DSS emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, intelligence indicates a plot by certain elements to infiltrate the protest and cause disorder. The agency has identified the protest’s funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators but prefers non-aggressive conflict resolution strategies to handle the situation.

The statement urged protest groups to avoid any form of rage, anarchy, or destruction. The DSS called on various stakeholders, including leaders, industry captains, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society, clergy, NGOs, women groups, civil servants, and politicians, to reject any invitations to participate in orchestrated violence.

Parents, guardians, traditional and academic institution heads were also advised to discourage their children, wards, subjects, and students from participating in the protest. The DSS committed to working with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, use all legitimate methods to achieve this.