Correctional Centers Off-Limits: FG Warns Protesters, “Do Not Come Close”

In response to the planned nationwide protests against bad governance set to begin on August 1, the Federal Government has declared its 256 custodial centers across the country as “red zones,” emphasizing that their sanctity must be preserved under any circumstances.

Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, issued this warning in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

“In view of the purported national protest scheduled to hold on the first day of August 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 CGC stated through Service Spokesman ACC Abubakar Danlami Umar.

The statement highlighted that custodial and non-custodial centers are vital national assets crucial to 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,” it read.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has called on the public to cooperate in safeguarding correctional facilities, assuring that adequate security measures are in place to prevent any breaches. The Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide extra security around these facilities nationwide.

CGC Haliru Nababa expressed appreciation for the public’s continued cooperation in maintaining peace and order around correctional centers. He urged the public to report any suspicious activities via email at info@corrections.gov.ng, the official website http://www.corrections.gov.ng, or directly through the phone numbers 09060004598 or 08075050006.