PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – National Security Minister has sought to assure prison officers that the safety and security of prison officers remain a top priority for his ministry, after a series of threatening messages against prison officers were posted to social media.

The messages that were circulating on WhatsApp have revealed a plot to “kill any two officers”.

In a statement issued last Monday, Minister Young strongly denounced the circulation of the threatening messages and assured that all national security law enforcement and intelligence agencies were on high alert and were working cohesively to support the safety of prison officers.

“The Minister thanks all prison officers for pledging their support to the State and for their dedication to duty at the nation’s prisons despite the current challenges. He vows to continue working together with the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service to provide officers with a greater sense of security while performing their duties,” the statement read.

Commissioner of Prisons Gerard Wilson, meantime, has warned officers to exercise caution and vigilance, especially when off-duty.

He said security would also be provided to officers who live in what are deemed “high risk” areas.