Anchor Borrowers Loan: DSS Raises Alarm Over Planned Violent Protests

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that it has uncovered plot by some politically exposed persons to stage violent protests across the country to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.

It would be recalled that just last weekend, President Bola Tinubu had directed the security agencies to recover all loans connected to the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

LEADERSHIP had reported that the president gave the directive after investigations revealed that about N577billion out of the total sum of N1,103,793,587,359,070.00 given out as loans were yet to be refunded.

Investigation showed that some of the defaulters of the loans are state governments, individuals, farmer associations, financial institutions and while some have made efforts to return the money borrowed, some others have totally defaulted and laid claim to some stories on how the monies were lost two investments.

But, in a statement signed by the DSS spokesperson, Dr Peter Afunanya, on Monday, the Service said: “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.”

Part of the statement read that the DSS “hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters. 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.

“Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.

“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 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.”