In a statement signed by Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications Peter Afunaya, the Service acknowledged that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, it has confirmed a plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and incite chaos and extreme violence.
The statement noted that the Service has identified the underlying motive of the protest as political, with plotters aiming to use the resulting violence to tarnish the federal and sub-national governments’ reputations, making them unpopular and creating a long-term objective of regime change, particularly at the central level.
“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 Service has also identified the funding lines, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot and is urging parents, guardians, and heads of traditional and academic institutions to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students not to participate in the planned protest.
“The Service has 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 handling the emerging scenario,” the DSS said.
The statement added that the Service will work with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and, if necessary, will use all legitimate methods to achieve this.
The planned protest, scheduled for August 1, aims to demonstrate against the prevailing economic hardship in the country. However, government authorities are calling for patience and urging organizers to have faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Nobody get strength to protest self
Who get strength