By Ayo Yusuf
The Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday disclosed that it has identified the ring leaders of a plot to destabilise the country and has placed them under close watch.
The department said those behind the plot are mostly politicians who plan to use students and other disgruntled members of the society to stage a series of violent protests across the country to embarrass the federal government.
A statement issued by the department’s Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya said it has since put the major actors under sustained monitoring to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.
Mr. Afunanya said the protests are meant to discredit the government over its alleged failure to resolve a number of socio-economic challenges that are being faced by Nigerians.
“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 statement said.
Mr. Afunanya said, “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.
“Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.
“While the DSS is aware of the 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.
“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans,” the statement read.
The warning by the DSS comes barely 24 hours before the planned two-day warning strike organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress over government’s inadequate palliative measures aimed at cushioning the effects of subsidy removal
