The federal government has ordered security agencies to deploy more personnel to prevent any security breach in custodial centres nationwide.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, said the security agencies would work with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to fortify security in the centres.

During the decoration of newly promoted senior officers of NCoS on Wednesday in Abuja, he said the measure was in addition to deploying modern security equipment to the custodial centres.

“I am confident to let you know that our correctional facilities are protected with state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained armed men to forestall future attacks,” he said.

On the forthcoming election, Mr Belgore said the ministry had launched an application called N-Alerts to enable Nigerians to report security issues during the elections.

“It provides a 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,” he said.

The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

He said 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.

(NAN)