Ahead of the planned nationwide anti-government protests on August 1, the Federal Government has designated all its 256 custodial centres as “red zones”.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, emphasized that individuals or groups with no legitimate reason should stay away from the custodial centres.
“The service wishes to inform the public that custodial centres are red zones in light of the anticipated national protest on August 1,” said Nababa.
“It is crucial to recognize that custodial and non-custodial centres are vital national assets essential for public safety and national security.
“Any interference or attack on these facilities will disrupt law and order, further jeopardizing societal security,” he added.
Nababa urged the public to collaborate with the service in safeguarding correctional facilities and assured that stringent security measures are in place to prevent any breach of these facilities.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior Joint Task Force has been activated to reinforce security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.
Expressing gratitude for the public’s continued cooperation in maintaining peace around correctional centres nationwide, the NCoS boss encouraged individuals to promptly report any suspicious activities or plans to the NCoS.
The aftermath of the extensive #EndSARS protests in 2020 saw several custodial facilities compromised, leading to jailbreaks with over 2,000 inmates reportedly escaping.
In Edo State, under the guise of #EndSARS protesters, hoodlums attacked the Oko and Benin custodial centres resulting in the escape of 1,993 inmates, while 58 inmates fled from the Okitipupa custodial centre in Ondo State.