The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning to the organizers of the planned nationwide protests, urging them to reconsider their actions.

The DSS revealed that it has uncovered plans by certain criminal elements to hijack the protests, potentially leading to widespread unrest.

Both the military and police have echoed these concerns, cautioning against the demonstrations set to take place from August 1 to 10 in response to the economic hardship in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya described the protest’s motives as politically driven. He claimed that the plotters aim to use the protest’s violent outcomes to discredit the federal and state governments.

“The DSS has monitored discussions about upcoming protests by unidentified individuals and groups,” Afunanya stated. “While peaceful protest is a democratic right, the Service has confirmed plans by some elements to infiltrate these protests and incite chaos and extreme violence. The reasons behind the protests are political.”

Afunanya further warned that the protestors’ long-term goal is to achieve regime change by making the government unpopular among the masses.

“The Service has identified funding sources, sponsors, and collaborators of the plot. However, we believe aggression should not be the first response. We have engaged in various non-kinetic and conflict resolution strategies to dissuade the planners from their undesirable objectives,” he said.

He urged the protest groups to avoid any form of anarchy for the sake of peace.

“The Service warns all protest groups to avoid proposed rage and anarchy. Governments at all levels have explained their plans to alleviate the alleged harsh economic conditions. We urge the prospective protesters to listen to reason and engage with authorities peacefully,” Afunanya added.

He called on citizens to reject any invitation to participate in violence, emphasizing that it leads to the destruction of lives and property and distracts from governance.

“The Service appeals to leaders, labor unions, student associations, youth leaders, civil society, clergy, NGOs, women’s groups, civil servants, and politicians to shun any orchestrated violence designed to cause disaffection in the country. Parents, guardians, and institutional heads should advise their wards and students against participating in the planned protest. Let’s build a nation without rancour or bitterness,” Afunanya concluded.

The DSS assured that it would collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace, applying all legitimate methods when necessary.