The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has uncovered plans to unleash ethno-religious violence in the North Central part of Nigeria aimed at overheating the polity.

DSS further said the sponsors have mobilised foot soldiers and held several meetings in and outside the target areas.

DSS therefore alerted the public of “the dangerous plot”, saying that there is a sinister plan by some elements to stoke violence in parts of the country, particularly the North Central.

The Service however urged the citizens not only to engage according to rules but should resist persuasions to be used to destroy their own country.

It warns that grave consequences await anyone who may wish to go contrary to the law, vowing it will go after the sponsors.

“The aim is to cause ethno-religious crisis, ignite reprisals and heat up the polity,” Public Relations Officer, DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya, said in a statement late Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Afunanya disclosed that “the Service is also aware of a plot to use students, striking university teachers, labour unions, disgruntled individuals and strategic groups as well as exploit the global energy situation to carry out a mass protest like the ENDSARS.” The Spokesman noted that “this is despite ongoing efforts by government to address the issues.”

Describing the sponsors as unpatriotic, DSS said it is on the trail of the agents of destabilisation “who are desirous of using violence to achieve ulterior goals.”

“Though it has emplaced measures to disrupt these tendencies, it warns the ring leaders and their cohorts to desist from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“The public should be rest assured that the Service will, in conjunction with other security agencies, go after the sponsors of this scheme and ensure the law takes it course,” the statement added.