Speaking during a ceremony recognising Colombia’s new military leadership in Bogota, De la Espriella said some prisons had become centres for criminal operations.

"It is regrettable that Colombia's prisons have ceased to be places of confinement to become dens - dens of criminality - universities of crime from which extortion and threats are made, murders are ordered and terrorist structures are directed," he said.

The president said the planned mega-prisons would be built with private-sector participation as part of his government ’s strategy against organised crime.

"I remain unwavering in my commitment to build maximum-security mega-prisons to confine the most dangerous terrorists in the country. These projects will be carried out with the private sector," he said.

The plan forms part of a wider campaign against armed groups linked to drug trafficking , illegal mining, smuggling and fuel theft.

De la Espriella also warned officials and private individuals against holding unauthorised talks or communications with armed groups. He said his government would continue extraditing people wanted by other countries.

"This republic will never kneel before crime again. Absolutely no one is authorised to establish communication with terrorist groups. Any official or private individual who does so will be brought before the courts," he warned.

According to De la Espriella, security forces have neutralised 21 ringleaders and arrested more than 500 people during the first days of his government.

He said authorities had also seized 13 tonnes of cocaine and destroyed 83 drug-production sites.