The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups planning a nationwide protest, urging them to abandon their plans and avoid any form of disorder, anarchy, or destruction. In a statement released by Peter Afunaya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the DSS emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, there is intelligence suggesting that certain elements intend to exploit the protest to incite chaos and extreme violence across the country.

According to the statement, the DSS has uncovered the true motive behind the planned protest, which it believes is politically motivated. The plotters allegedly aim to use the anticipated violent outcome to discredit the federal and state governments, undermine their popularity, and ultimately incite a regime change at the national level. “While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, 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,” the statement read.

The DSS has also identified the sources of funding, sponsors, and collaborators involved in the plot. As a precautionary measure, the agency is urging parents, guardians, and leaders of traditional and educational institutions to discourage their children, wards, and students from participating in the protest. “The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario,” the DSS said.

Furthermore, the DSS assured the public that it would collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, employ all legitimate measures to ensure stability.

The protest, scheduled for August 1, is intended to express dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic hardship in the country. However, government authorities are calling for patience and are urging the organizers to have faith in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as efforts are being made to address the economic challenges facing the nation.