In anticipation of a nationwide protest set to begin on August 1, the Federal Government has designated all 256 custodial centres across Nigeria as “red zones,” emphasizing that their sanctity must not be violated.
The Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Hailey Nababa, issued this warning in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.
“In view of the purported national protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that the Custodial Centres have been designated as red zones; therefore, any person or group of persons who have no business whatsoever should steer clear,” the statement, signed by the agency’s spokesman Abubakar Umar, read.
The agency reiterated that “custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets essential to public safety and national security.”
It warned that any tampering with or attacks on these facilities could lead to a breakdown of law and order, exacerbating societal security issues.
In preparation for the protest, security has been heightened at custodial centres nationwide. “Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility is defiled,” the statement noted. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide extra security around these facilities.
This declaration follows similar measures by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which has also beefed up security around the country’s borders.
The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap, directed zonal heads, state command comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) to increase vigilance and surveillance in light of the planned protest.
Other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and police, have also issued warnings against violence during the upcoming protest.