Ahead of the planned nationwide protest starting August 1, the Federal Government has declared all its 256 custodial centers across the country as “red zones” whose sanctity must not be violated.
Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Hailey Nababa issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
It reads, “In view of the purported national protest scheduled to be held on the first day of August 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that Custodial Centres are red zones; any unauthorized persons should steer clear.”
The agency emphasised that “custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets essential for public safety and national security.”
“Tampering with or attacking them will lead to a breakdown of law and order and exacerbate societal security,” the statement added.
In light of the proposed protest, security measures have been heightened at custodial centers nationwide.
“Adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure no correctional facility is breached,” it stated.
The Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide extra security around custodial facilities.
This move follows a similar directive from the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) to bolster security at the country’s borders.
“The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap, has directed heightened vigilance and surveillance in view of the planned protest,” the NCS announced.
Other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and police, have also cautioned against violence during the planned protest.
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