MARGARET CHIDERA
NIGERIA: In light of the upcoming national protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all Custodial Centres as red zones.
The Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, in a statement issued yesterday, urged the public to avoid these areas, emphasising that unauthorised individuals or groups should steer clear of its facilities.
The NCoS highlighted the critical importance of Custodial and Non-custodial Centres to national security and public safety.
“Custodial and Non-custodial Centres are critical national assets which are germane to public safety as well as national security. Tampering with or attacking them will lead to a breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general,” the statement read.
To ensure the protection of these facilities, the NCoS has implemented robust security measures.
He said that adequate security arrangements have been established to prevent any breaches, and the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide additional security around correctional facilities nationwide.
“The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciates the continuous cooperation of members of the public in ensuring peace and tranquility in and around correctional centres nationwide,” the statement said.
The NCoS also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or plans that could threaten the security of correctional facilities.
“The public is also advised to report any suspicious plan or movement to our email: info@corrections.gov.ng or to our official website: www.corrections.gov.ng or call 09060004598 or 08075050006 directly,” the statement advised.
Furthermore, he called on all members of the public to work together with the Service to safeguard these critical facilities.
“The Service strongly advises all members of the public to join hands with the Service to ensure the protection of correctional facilities,” Umar stated.
