Ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide demonstrations set for August, the Federal Government has designated all 256 custodial centres as “red zones,” warning that their sanctity must not be violated.
Controller General of Corrections Hailey Nababa issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday, urging the public to avoid these centres. “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 agency spokesman Abubakar Umar, read.
The agency emphasized that 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 further exacerbate the security of the society in general,” the statement read.
Given the upcoming protests, security has been increased at custodial centres nationwide. “Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility is defiled,” it said. The Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide additional security.
This move follows a similar directive by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), which ordered increased security around the country’s borders. “The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap, has directed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers to be extra vigilant and step up surveillance,” the NCS stated.
Other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and police, have also warned against violence during the planned protests.
