JUST IN: FG Announces Red Zones Where Protesters Must Not Go

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has issued a warning to Nigerians planning to participate in the hunger protest starting on August 1 to stay away from the country’s custodial centers.

This caution was delivered in a statement by NCoS spokesman Abubakar Danlami Umar in Abuja on Tuesday.

The statement emphasized that individuals or groups without legitimate business at the custodial centers should keep their distance. Many Nigerians, particularly young people, have called for protests beginning August 1 due to soaring living costs.

Inflation in Nigeria reached a record high of 34.19 percent in June, with food inflation surpassing 40.87 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This spike followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s termination of the fuel subsidy and relaxation of foreign exchange controls after assuming office in May of the previous year.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that the custodial centers have been designated as red zones; therefore, any person or group of persons without relevant business should steer clear,” the statement read.

The NCoS underscored the importance of custodial and non-custodial centers as critical national assets essential for public safety and national security. Any attempt to tamper with or attack these facilities would lead to a breakdown of law and order and further exacerbate societal security issues.

The statement added, “The Service strongly advises all members of the public to join hands with the Service to ensure the protection of correctional facilities.”

To ensure security, the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide additional security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.