Nigerian authorities have claimed that a regime change agenda is behind the upcoming nationwide anti-government protests. The Department of State Services (DSS) made these allegations ahead of the August 1 protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The DSS stated that it had uncovered “a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.” According to the intelligence agency, the protest’s motive is political, with organizers allegedly intending to smear federal and sub-national governments, making them unpopular and turning them against the masses.
“The long-term objective is to achieve a regime change, especially at the center,” said Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesperson.
Nigeria follows Kenya in blaming anti-government protests on a regime change agenda within the past two weeks.
Kenya has recently experienced anti-government protests, which President William Ruto, in power since 2022, attributed to sponsorship by an American non-governmental organization.
In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has faced challenges in revitalizing the economy since taking office in 2023.
The DSS cautioned Nigerians against resorting to violence during the upcoming protests. Afunanya stated that the service would collaborate with other security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace.
“It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this,” he added.
In recent months, Nigeria has slipped from being Africa’s largest economy to fourth place.
