The Department of State Services (DSS) has issued a public alert concerning plans by certain individuals and groups to stage protests on June 12, 2024, coinciding with the Democracy Day celebrations.
According to a statement released by the DSS, these protests are allegedly designed with “sinister objectives” that could threaten public safety and national security.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to assembly and expression, the DSS emphasized that such freedoms should not be exploited to disrupt societal peace.
The agency warned that any attempt by non-state actors to incite mass disaffection and potentially violent demonstrations would not be tolerated.
The DSS underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing issues, such as the minimum wage, through peaceful and lawful means.
The DSS urged citizens to resist any efforts to engage in lawlessness or actions that could lead to disorder and anarchy.
Instead, it encouraged those with grievances to utilize appropriate and lawful channels to express their concerns.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the nation, the DSS assured the public of its readiness to prevent any acts aimed at destabilizing the country.
The agency stated it would continue collaborating with other security agencies to ensure peace and the protection of lives and property.
As the nation marks 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the DSS called for continued patriotism, unity, and dedication towards building a prosperous Nigeria.
The agency also provided contact details, including its website (dss.gov.ng), email (dsspr@dss.gov.ng), and phone numbers (+2349153391309, +2349088373514), for public use in case of any need for communication.
Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, Director of PR & Strategic Communications for the DSS, conveyed these messages from the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
LV