Ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1, the Federal Government has declared all 256 custodial centres across the country as “red zones,” warning that these facilities must not be tampered with under any circumstances.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Hailey Nababa emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding these centres. The statement, delivered by Service Spokesman ACC Abubakar Danlami Umar, stressed that any unauthorized access to these facilities will not be tolerated.
The statement reads: “With the national protest planned for August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that Custodial Centres have been designated as red zones. Individuals or groups without legitimate business are advised to stay away.”
It continued: “Custodial and Non-custodial Centres are vital national assets essential to public safety and national security. Any interference or attack on these facilities could lead to a breakdown in law and order and worsen overall societal security.”
The Service urged the public to support efforts to protect correctional facilities, noting that additional security measures have been implemented to prevent any violations. The Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been mobilized to enhance security at custodial sites nationwide.
CGC Haliru Nababa expressed gratitude for the public’s ongoing cooperation and encouraged reporting any suspicious activities to the correctional service via email at info@corrections.gov.ng, the official website www.corrections.gov.ng, or by calling 09060004598 or 08075050006.
