Hunger protest: Keep off prisons, CG tells demonstrators

Barely 24 hours before the commencement of the hunger protests, the Nigerian Correctional Service warned those who have no business at the centres to stay away.

According to the Service, this warning has become imperative because the centres have been designated red zones. Any person or group of persons who have no business whatsoever should steer clear.

This information was conveyed in a statement on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Abubakar Umar. He stressed that custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets, essential for public safety and national security.

Umar noted that tampering with or attacking these centres could lead to a breakdown of law and order and further exacerbate societal security.

The statement partly read, “The Service strongly advises all members of the public to cooperate with us to ensure the protection of correctional facilities.

“Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility is compromised.”

Umar stressed that the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce has been activated to provide additional security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.

He added that the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciates the ongoing cooperation of the public in maintaining peace and tranquillity around correctional centres nationwide.

“The public is also advised to report any suspicious plans or movements to our email: [email protected], our official website: www.corrections.gov.ng, or call 09060004598 or 08075050006 directly.”

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