Security operatives have been beefed up around correctional facilities and other strategic locations in the state capitals of Katsina, Kebbi, and Zamfara to avert any possible attack in the states.

An online medium had reported that military intelligence warned that there were plans by terrorists to attack prisons in the three North-western states.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Katsina, Najib Idris, noted that the heavy security presence was to avert any possible prison attack.

He said: “Immediately after the report was released, we were ordered to beef up security.

“We have now sought and got reinforcement from the army and immigration officers have also been sent to us.”

He added that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has also been complementing the efforts of the prison officers in ensuring maximum security.

The two correctional facilities in Katsina have been provided with adequate security at the Unguwar Yari/Kofar Soro centre and the newly built one on Jibia road.

Though the facility on Jibia road is opposite the Natsinta Army Barrack, it was gathered that security personnel were stationed around the facility.

It was also observed that there has been an increase in the number of security agents patrolling Katsina metropolis.

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Patrol teams have also been stationed at all exit and entry routes of the state capital.

It was also learnt that in Kebbi State, residents of the Illelar Yari area that houses the correctional centre have to go through security checks before accessing some parts of the area.

A journalist who resides in the area, Ahmadu Faruk, said: “Security agents have taken over the area. By 8 p.m, they (security operatives) don’t allow vehicles around the prison area and residents are thoroughly checked before going to their residence especially those residing behind the centre.”

In the same vein, in another state listed in the intelligence report, Zamfara State, the Unguwar Gwaza area that hosts the Gusau correctional centre has been “taken over by” security agents to prevent any possible attempt by terrorists to attack the facility.

The centre’s spokesperson, Dalhat Gusau, said correctional facilities in the state have always been secured.

He, however, noted that security has been beefed up to avert “any occurrence”.

Gusau said: “We were officially briefed (on the planned attacks) and the Controller has taken serious measures to protect all our facilities.

“Soldiers and officers from the immigration, police and civil defence (NSCDC) have all been helpful. We’ve been working closely to avert any attack.”

A resident of Gusau, Mustapha Umar, said in a phone interview that he had seen an increase in the number of security agents in the state capital.

“Especially last week, the roads leading to Unguwar Gwaza were all blocked but I learnt that the number of security agents has reduced compared to last week.

“I was going to Tudun Wada from bye pass last Wednesday when I witnessed many security agents’ vehicles stationed around Unguwar Gwaza roundabout,” Umar said.

The Star