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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all custodial centres nationwide as red zones over the ‘free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest.
NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said the warning is meant to prevent unauthorised access to the facilities during the demonstration.
Umar described the correctional centres as restricted areas, urging the public to steer clear.
“The public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as red zones,” Umar said.
“The NCoS reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas. Anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.”
He also called for cooperation with security agencies to ensure peace and safety throughout the protest.
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.
Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, had announced that a protest march to the presidential villa, on Kanu’s continued detention, will hold on October 20.
The protest is expected to take place around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
The police authorities had also asked groups planning demonstrations against the detention of the IPOB leader to respect a court order restricting protests around key government areas.
The Force also warned that anyone who uses protests as cover to commit violence, destroy property, or incite unrest either physically or through social media would be “dealt with decisively”.
