DSS uncovers plot to hijack nationwide protests

By Kunle Sanni

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that subversive groups and vandals are planning to hijack the ongoing nationwide protests.

This disclosure was made by DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya during a monthly news conference organized by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) on Monday in Abuja.

According to a report published by Freedom Reporters, Afunanya noted that the country has been facing unusual times, marked by significant threats of protests in recent weeks. The DSS is working to ensure that these demonstrations remain peaceful and are not exploited by elements with ulterior motives.

He claimed that the anticipated protests have already led to the wilful destruction of property in several states. However, coordinated and frantic efforts by security agencies have successfully re-established order in the affected districts.

“While the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed and remains a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nigeria, intelligence and security agencies uncovered plans by subversive groups and vandals to hijack the process,” Afunanya said.

He added that this triggered engagement at both policy and strategic levels with traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, civil society members, and leaders of thought. Despite these efforts to appeal to the organizers’ conscience in the national interest, the pleas went unheeded.

Afunanya provided an update on the actions of military, security, and response agencies, stating that the DSS has intensified its efforts to gather and disseminate intelligence over the past month. This intelligence is crucial for motivating law enforcement and security efforts, guaranteeing the protection of citizens’ rights, and upholding public safety and order.

The DSS, in coordination with other stakeholders, conducted several operations resulting in the recovery of various incendiary materials, the dismantling of criminal networks, and the arrest of suspects.

“Within the month of July, the service sustained proactive intelligence acquisition and dissemination to action agencies. This led to the arrest of criminal elements involved in oil theft, kidnapping, burglary, theft of electrical installations, human trafficking, armed robbery, cult-related activities, terrorism, and insurgency,” Afunanya said.

He further mentioned that high-profile terrorist leaders, logistic facilitators, gunrunners, and IED experts were apprehended. Recovered items included semi-automatic double barrels, cartridges, pump-action rifles, locally made pistols, IED initiators, AK-47 rifles, magazines, submachine guns, among others.

In addition, economic saboteurs involved in diverting palliatives and agrochemicals were also apprehended. One such operation in Katsina led to the recovery of 1,200 (25kg) bags of palliative rice and 48 bags of rice kit.