FG warns protesters, declares custodial centres red zones

•OPS expresses worry over economic impact

Federal Government has said that all custodial centres in Nigeria have been declared red zones, warning protesters to steer clear of the facilities.

Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, said the warning became necessary in view of the planned national protest scheduled to commence August 1.

The warning came as the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) warned that the mass protest could have adverse effect on economy, if it was not peaceful.

In a statement signed by the spokesman for the correctional service, Umar Abubakar, Nababa said: “Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that Custodial Centres have been designated as red zones; therefore, any person or group of persons, who have no business whatsoever, should steer clear.

“Furthermore, the service wishes to enjoin the public that Custodial and Non-custodial Centres are critical national assets, which are germane to public safety as well as national security. Therefore, tampering with or attacking them will lead to breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general.”

He disclosed that the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide extra security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.

The service also urged the public to report any suspicious plan or movement to its official email: [email protected] or to the official website: www.corrections.gov.ng or call 09060004598 or 08075050006 directly.

In its reaction, the OPSN noted that as representatives of the business community, they were very much aware of the potential economic impact of mass protests and major disruption it could have on business operations, which could have significant repercussions on the economy and the livelihoods of people.

The OPSN comprises Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI).

“As an apolitical umbrella body representing major business membership organisations in Nigeria, the OPSN prioritises the importance of dialogue and engagement between the government and concerned citizens. We firmly believe that open and constructive dialogue is the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s challenges and encouraging the desired changes. We urge all parties to embrace this path of dialogue to achieve meaningful and lasting solutions for the benefit of our country,” the body said.