4th September, 2023
The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has uncovered a grand plot by some politicians to stage violent protest in the country.
In a statement Monday, the agency said it has put the identified ring leaders under surveillance to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.
It said the politicians plan to recruit students of tertiary institutions to join the protest and warned university vice chancellors to discourage the students from joining the protest.
The DSS was silent on the planned warning strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, which will commence tomorrow and end Wednesday.
Labour planned an indefinite action in three weeks to protest the high cost of living, after the government scrapped petrol subsidy.
Read the full DSS statement:
The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the Federal Government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters. Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action. Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.
In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace. Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.
While the DSS is aware of Government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps. This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans. Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer
Department of State Services
National Headquarters, Abuja.
4th September, 2023