The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a stern warning against planned protests slated for June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day. In a statement released on Tuesday night, the agency emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of protest that threatens public safety and national security.
Signed by Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, the statement outlined the agency’s stance against potential violent or disruptive actions during the planned protests. The DSS claimed to have received intelligence indicating plans to incite violence and disrupt public order under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.
“While citizens have the rights of assembly and expression, such freedoms should not be exploited to undermine public safety and national security,” the statement read. It further highlighted the agency’s determination to prevent any non-state actors from inciting mass disaffection through potentially violent demonstrations.
The warning from the DSS comes amidst growing concerns over planned protests by certain individuals and groups on Democracy Day. The agency’s statement serves as a clear directive to those intending to participate in such protests, urging them to refrain from engaging in any activities that could endanger public safety and national security.
