By Anas Abbas
The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a warning against planned protests in various parts of Nigeria, citing a sinister plot by unknown elements to infiltrate the demonstrations and cause chaos and extreme violence.
According to the DSS, the planned protests are politically motivated and aimed at smearing the federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular, and pitting them against the masses.
The ultimate goal, the service claims, is to achieve a regime change, particularly at the federal level.
The DSS says it has identified the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot and is working to dissuade the planners from carrying out their objectives.
The Service has applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement, and multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to resolve the situation peacefully.
The DSS warns protest groups to eschew violence, anarchy, and destruction of property, urging them to engage with authorities peacefully.
The Service also calls on various groups, including leaders of thought, captains of industry, labour unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society organisations, NGOs, and politicians, to shun any invitation to participate in orchestrated violence.
However, parents, guardians, and heads of institutions are advised to caution their children, wards, and students against participating in the planned protests.
The DSS assures the public that it will work with other security agencies to maintain peace and apply legitimate methods to achieve this goal.