Press Release by Peter Afunanya, PhD, fsi, mnipr, Director PR & Stratcoms, Department of State Services National Headquarters Abuja on 25th July, 2024
The Department of State Services (DSS) has been closely monitoring discussions about planned protests set to occur in various parts of Nigeria in the coming weeks. While the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right of citizens, the DSS has uncovered a sinister plan by certain elements to infiltrate these protests and incite chaos and extreme violence across the country. The primary motive behind these protests has been identified as political, with the plotters intending to use the resulting violence to undermine both federal and sub-national governments, ultimately aiming for regime change, particularly at the national level.
The DSS has also identified the funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators behind this plot. Despite these findings, the DSS believes that immediate aggressive action is not the appropriate response to the situation. Instead, the Service has employed non-violent and conflict resolution strategies, including moral persuasion, stakeholder engagement, and various diplomatic efforts, to dissuade the planners from pursuing their destructive objectives.
Given these developments, the DSS strongly advises all protest groups to refrain from any form of proposed unrest, anarchy, or destruction. The Service emphasizes that various levels of government have consistently communicated their efforts to address the alleged harsh economic conditions. Therefore, prospective protesters are urged to listen to reason and engage peacefully with authorities in the interest of maintaining peace. Violence, the DSS warns, leads to the destruction of lives and property and distracts from effective governance. The Service encourages agitators to utilize available peaceful channels to express their grievances.
The DSS calls on people of goodwill, community leaders, industry leaders, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society organizations, clergy, NGOs, women’s groups, civil servants, and politicians to reject any calls to participate in orchestrated violence aimed at causing disaffection in the country. Parents, guardians, traditional and academic institution heads are urged to advise their children, wards, subjects, and students against participating in the planned protests. The DSS appeals to all Nigerians to work together to build a nation free from rancor, bitterness, and conflict.
The DSS, in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies, will continue to work to maintain peace and order. When necessary, the Service will employ all legitimate means to achieve this goal. The public is encouraged to reach out to the DSS through its website (http://dss.gov.ng), email (dsspr@dss.gov.ng), or telephone lines (+2349153391309; +2349088373514) for any concerns or information.
