DSS: Politicians, Groups Plotting Violent Protests to Discredit FG, Destabilise Nigeria

•Issues universities, polytechnics security advisory

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Amid the contagion of coups spreading across West and Central Africa, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s top secret police, has raised the alarm that there are sinister attempts to unleash terror on the country.

The DDSS said yesterday it uncovered a plot by some unnamed persons to stage violent protests across Nigeria.

The secret police revealed that the plotters included politicians mobilising students and tribal leaders for nationwide civil unrest.

A statement issued by the spokesman for DSS, Peter Afunanya, said it identified the plot’s ringleaders and sustained monitoring around them to deter the unscrupulous elements from plunging the country into anarchy.

“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,” stated the top security agency.

DSS added, “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.”

The secret police, in the statement, further issued an advisory to heads of tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, etc.), including vice-chancellors, to forestall any attempts by students to organise rallies or protests deemed anti-federal government.

“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,” DSS warned. “Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conduct against law and order.” 

The statement pointed out that “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.”

DSS sternly stated that the warning was imperative because “it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.”

The security agency did not state whether the so-called violent protests have anything to do with the Nigeria Labour Congress’ two-day nationwide warning strike scheduled for September 5 and 6 to press home demands for long-term solutions to the hardships Nigerian masses are facing.