Boko Haram: Security beefed up at Kirikiri Prisons

Boko Haram: Security beefed up at Kirikiri Prisons By Comrade Godwin Ameh on March 29, 2013 Following intelligence reports that Boko Haram suicide bombers have been sent to attack the Nigeria Prisons, Kirikiri, Military personnel and Armed Squad Guard have been put on alert around the prison area. DailyPost gathered that the Nigerian Prison intelligence report had revealed that the Maximum Security Prison has been marked as a primary target by the sect to seek revenge over Major Hamza Almustpha, the former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha who was sentenced to death by hanging by a Lagos High Court for the murder of a pro-democracy activist, Mrs. Kudirat Abiola. Although, the new security strategy was left undisclosed, but a senior officer of the NPS said that the measure was permanent and stronger in order to contend any form of incursion by the Boko Haram sect. “We are under perpetual alertness because of the Boko Haram influence in the country. We are currently under red alert and that is why our barracks are no longer porous. The officer who would not want his name mentioned revealed that the command would continue to heighten its activities and even restrict entry into the barracks at night. When DailyPost visited the Kirikiri Barracks, the seat of Maximum, Medium and Female Prisons on Friday, the presence of some heavily armed Military personnel and Armed Squad Guard was noticeable. Some motorists were asked to turn back or look for alternative route to Navy Town, Ojo because there was no room for thoroughfare. A man who was denied entry told our reporter that he was only going to the military Hospital, Ojo to see his sister who was on admission. The visibly angry man said, “I have been here for almost 3 hours and they refused to let me enter. What is the meaning of all these? Do I look like one of the Boko Haram members?,” he queried, “I’m only going to see my sister who is ill at the Military Hospital in Navy town. This nonsense must stop,” he added. A senior member of the Prison Officers Wife Association (PROWA) told our correspondent that they have been unable to sleep with their two eyes closed for over a week now. “My brother, this is getting more serious by the day, no okada is allowed entry into the barracks and even if you are a resident you would undergo a rigorous search before you are allowed into the barracks. Na God hand we just dey now oo,” she said. DailyPost