The federal government has ordered security agencies to deploy more personnel to prevent any security breach in custodial centres nationwide.
Shuaib Belgore, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, said the security agencies would work with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to fortify security in the centres.
Belgore said this during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers of NCoS on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that the measure was in addition to the deployment of modern security equipment to the custodial centres.
“I am confident to let you know that our correctional facilities are protected with the state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained armed men to forestall future attacks,” he said.
“In addition to our efforts to protect correctional facilities, the Controller-General should strengthen already established collaboration and synergy with other security agencies.
“This is necessary to jointly secure the facilities and protect inmates from possible attacks from outside.”
On the forthcoming election, Belgore said the Ministry had launched an application called N-Alerts to enable Nigerians to report security issues during the elections.
“This mobile platform is available for download via Android Google Play Store and iOS App Store,” he said.
“It provides real time opportunity to report any form of security issues ranging from elections related matters, fire outbreaks, attacks on critical national assets and infrastructure, to reporting of fleeing escapees from custodial facilities.”
The permanent secretary urged Nigerians to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
He added that the ministry and all services under it were committed to providing security before, during, and after elections, in addition to their routine day-to-day duties.
