The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday claimed that it had uncovered plans by some individuals and groups to cash in on the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, against the severe economic hardship in the country to instigate violence.
However, the agency said it had identified the promoters of the protests, including funders, sensors, and collaborators. In a statement, the DSS said they would not tolerate actions that have the potential to threaten national security, peace and order.
It said: “We have followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot.
“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, 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.
“It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political. “The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and subnational governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses.
“The long-term objective is to achieve regime change, especially at the centre. “The Service has also 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 the instance, in handling the emerging scenario.
“It has instead, variously applied non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualizing their undesirable objective.
“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.
“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.”
The agency added: “The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
