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Tag: Nigerian Correctional Service

  • NCoS FCT’s inmates get skills, education ahead of reintegration

    NCoS FCT’s inmates get skills, education ahead of reintegration

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) yesterday said it has empowered inmates with expanded skill acquisition and educational training programmes.

    The NCos said this is aimed at rehabilitation and reduction of recidivism in Abuja.

    The FCT Controller of Corrections, Mr. Christopher Jen, explained that the initiatives were designed to facilitate the seamless reintegration of inmates into society by equipping them with relevant vocational skills and formal education.

    In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Samson Duza, the Controller stated that since assuming office, the command had prioritised the training of inmates.

    He said this was through strategic partnerships with various organisations, adding that donations of training materials by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) had greatly strengthened the programmes across custodial centres in the FCT.

    “I am immensely proud of the transformative progress we’ve made in empowering inmates through skills acquisition and education.

    “These partnerships with NGOs have not only equipped over 800 inmates with practical skills, but is paving way for true rehabilitation and reduced recidivism,” he said.

    Jen said the command is running diverse skills acquisition programmes, cutting across vocational, creative and agricultural sectors.

    The Controller listed some areas the inmates have acquired skills to include barbing, with 32 inmates in training; cap-making, with 35 inmates; embroidery, with five inmates; shoemaking, with 42 inmates; tailoring, with 48 inmates; carpentry, with eight inmates, among others.

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    He said the inmates were undergoing training in the aforementioned fields, among others.

    Jen added that agricultural-based skills featured prominently, with 200 inmates trained in fisheries, 78 in poultry farming, and 80 in paint production.

    He said the inmates were actively pursuing recognised academic qualifications across custodial centres.

    “At the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, 97 inmates have been registered for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations, and 65 are sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO).

    “At the MSCC, Suleja, 30 inmates were enrolled for NABTEB, while another 30 were registered for NECO examinations,” he added.

    Jen said a total of 222 inmates have been enrolled in secondary education programmes, while 201 others were pursuing degree programmes with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

    “With 222 inmates enrolled in secondary education and 201 pursuing degrees at NOUN, we’re proving that second chances start with education.

    “Our gratitude goes to our NGO partners whose donations have made this vision a reality,” Jen said.

    The Controller reaffirmed the NCoS commitment to transformative justice, stressing that the programmes were geared toward equipping inmates with marketable skills and knowledge necessary for productive and law-abiding lives after release.

    He thanked the service’s partner organisations and NGOs for their sustained support in advancing inmates’ rehabilitation and empowerment initiatives.

  • Correctional Service warns against protests near facilities

    Correctional Service warns against protests near facilities

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has warned against any form of protest near its facilities across the country, saying that they are red zones for would-be protesters. 

    The Service, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, said the FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement should steer clear of its facilities. 

    The NCoS said: “In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as RED ZONES. 

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    “The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.

    “The Service urges all citizens to exercise caution and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. it is equally important to respect restricted areas such as correctional facilities. “

  • FG suspends two Correctional Service personnel over attempts to procure passport for inmate

    FG suspends two Correctional Service personnel over attempts to procure passport for inmate

    The Federal Government has suspended two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, over attempts to procure an international passport for a prison inmate.

    The suspension was announced in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Umar Abubakar.

    Abubakar, a Deputy Controller of Corrections described the incident as a misconduct “detected through the automated passport application and other holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service.”

    He also said the detection of the misconduct was as a result of interagency collaboration in the Ministry of Interior.

    Abubakar who explained that the incident happened a fortnight ago, added that it was a contradiction of established rules and procedures and therefore becomes unacceptable and impermissible.

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    While alluding to a publication on the incident, Abubakar said “necessary disciplinary actions were taken including the suspension of the two correctional personnel implicated in the incident by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) chaired by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubumni Tunji-Ojo.

    “The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has reiterated his commitment to upholding discipline, transparency, and professionalism in all custodial centres across the country.

    “The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system” he said.

    He said the Service remains committed to its mandate of safe custody, humane treatment, and reform of inmates in line with global best practices.

  • NCoS places N5m bounty on Ilesa Correctional centre fleeing inmates

    NCoS places N5m bounty on Ilesa Correctional centre fleeing inmates

    Security has been beefed up at the Ilesa Correctional Facility after a rainstorm wreaked havoc leading to the collapse of the wall and escape of seven inmates. 

    Authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed the escape of the seven inmates. 

    They were identified as John Michael (34yrs); Tobi Akin (19yrs); Eze Nweze (40yrs); Olalekan Ajofoyinbo (45yrs); Ninalowo Yusuf (28yrs); Matthew Ogunjimi (20yrs) and Kabiru Oyedun (39yrs). 

    They placed N5m bounty on each on the escapees. 

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    The Nation observed that there was heavy security presence at the Correctional Facility in Ilesa when visited on Wednesday evening. 

    Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer, of Osun Command, Joel Oyedokun confirmed that security has been beefed up around the facility.

    According to him: “The State Commandant, Corrections centre have relocated to Ilesa to personally supervise the man-hunt for the escapees.

    “The Army and DSS are working with us to bring back those who escaped from the facility.”

  • Prison inmates not poorly fed, says Correctional Service

    Prison inmates not poorly fed, says Correctional Service

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked insinuations that prison inmates in the country are malnourished and poorly fed.

     The Service described the claim as false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of the realities within Correctional facilities.

    The service, through its public relations officer, Umar Abubakar, said insinuations that inmates are poorly fed are recycled stories meant “to create ruckus where none exists.”

    Abubakar, a Deputy Controller of Corrections, said in a statement that “the Service operates under strict guidelines as provided by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which mandates the provision of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and general welfare for all inmates.”

    Abubakar said, “Inmates are provided with meals that meet the nutritional requirements recommended by health professionals and monitored routinely by the ration committee set up by the Controller General of Corrections.

    “Our menu plans are standardised and reviewed periodically to align with evolving health standards and budgetary provisions.

    “Also, in response to current economic realities and rising inflation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has recently approved an increase in the daily feeding allowance for inmates in custodial centres from the previous rate to N1,125 per inmate per day.

    “This adjustment is aimed at ensuring that inmates receive adequate and nutritious meals in line with acceptable welfare standards.

    “The increment reflects the government’s commitment to the humane treatment of persons in custody and the broader reforms being implemented within the Nigerian Correctional Service to uphold dignity, human rights, and international best practices.

    “Furthermore, the feeding of inmates is not conducted in secrecy as several independent oversight bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, civil society groups, and international partners, periodically assess the conditions in our custodial centres.

    “None of their recent reports support the dehumanising portrayal circulated by certain individuals or interest groups about the welfare of inmates.”

    The service remains that it is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all inmates in line with international best practices. 

  • Awaiting trial inmates

    Awaiting trial inmates

    It’s an old issue that has refused to go away. “Overcrowding, no doubt, stands out as the most pressing challenge of the NCoS,” the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, noted during an interactive session with field officers on January 13.  He said 48,932 inmates in the country’s correctional facilities were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), many of them “on non-bailable offences.” 

    He unveiled his plans to tackle the problem, saying, “I intend to interface with the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, the inspector-general of police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates. This is necessary, especially those on non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder, and others that constitute over 60 percent of awaiting trial persons (ATPs).”

    He added: “While engaging state chief executives to expedite the trial of the over 90 percent state offenders in custody, the use of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms will be taken up with the judiciary. We will also fast-track the construction of proposed 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facilities and other centres across the country.”

    Notably, Segun Olowookere, who controversially spent 14 years on death row before he was recently pardoned by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, drew attention to prison conditions in the country in an interview published after his release.

    He was sentenced to death and life imprisonment for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and robbery with firearms, and to three years imprisonment for stealing. But the popular narrative that he was given a death sentence for stealing fowls ultimately led to pardon by the governor.   

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    He was in Ilesa prison, Osun State, “throughout the trial of the case.” After the judgment, he was moved to Ibara Prison, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He was later moved to Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos, in 2016.

     According to him, “The major challenge was congestion. There were too many people inside a limited space. Because of the population, 50 inmates would occupy a room that should naturally contain a maximum of 10 people. We sleep like fishes packed in a carton because everywhere is measured for us. As an inmate, a space is measured for you to sleep because of congestion.” 

    Nwakuche’s stated solutions to prison congestion are sensible. But they need to be put into effect before the desired results can be realised.  The old issue won’t go away without effective execution of these plans.

  • NCoS, NSCDC deepen collaboration to prevent jailbreaks 

    NCoS, NSCDC deepen collaboration to prevent jailbreaks 

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have taken steps to deepen their collaboration aimed at preventing external attacks on custodial centres and forestalling jailbreaks in the country. 

    To this end, custodial centres across the country will witness the presence of more NSCDC personnel, as the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, has approved that State Commanders deploy additional personnel to custodial centres in their respective states. 

    Audi, who recalled the killing of NSCDC personnel at Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja a few years ago during midnight attacks by terrorists, noted that the dynamics of maintaining peace and security around custodial centres have changed, given that Nigeria now faces an asymmetric war. 

    He described the death of the NSCDC officer as painful, stating that the officer was always fearless, bold, and committed to his call of duty. 

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    The NSCDC boss spoke when he granted an audience to the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, at the headquarters of the Corps in Abuja. 

    The NSCDC boss remarked that collaboration, understanding, and commitment are the keys to keeping the nation’s custodial centres safe, asserting that no single paramilitary institution can operate alone without synergy with others. 

    He praised Acting CG Sylvester Nwakuche for visiting him to strategise on additional security measures to be adopted to ensure the safety of inmates in custodial centres, expressing that he is more comfortable working with CG Nwakuche as a coursemate from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos. 

    The Acting Comptroller General of the NCoS stated that the visit became necessary considering their shared experiences in the professional and academic fields, asserting that he would require guidance from the NSCDC boss to navigate the complex demands of ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian prison inmates. 

    Nwakuche expressed regret over the loss of NSCDC personnel at the Kuje Custodial Centre during a midnight attack some years ago, noting that the sacrifice made by the officer will never be in vain. 

    He acknowledged the ongoing protection of custodial facilities in the country by NSCDC operatives as a morale booster, praying that such sacrifices should be sustained and improved upon through synergy. 

    He commended the administration of the NSCDC under the leadership of Dr Audi, noting that NSCDC’s fortunes within the nation’s security architecture have turned around with visible and remarkable achievements. 

    Nwakuche stated that upon his appointment as Acting Controller-General of Corrections by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 15th December 2024, he decided to visit the NSCDC and other institutions to align his programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration and to seek support from sister security agencies in the country. 

  • NCoS seeks intervention of IG, CJN, others on the fate of 48,000 inmates

    NCoS seeks intervention of IG, CJN, others on the fate of 48,000 inmates

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has sought the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), the Attorney General of the Federation, state Chief Justices, and other stakeholders regarding the fate of over 48,900 inmates in various custodial centres across the country.

    The NCoS stated that the fate of the 48,932 inmates currently awaiting trial remains a top concern for the Service, especially concerning their upkeep, the conditions of the custodial centres where they are held, and their security.

    The Acting Controller-General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, stated that it has become imperative for all stakeholders to address the challenges once and for all and to find lasting solutions to these issues so as not to jeopardise the ongoing reforms in the Service.

    He noted that speedy and uninterrupted trials of the inmates have become necessary.

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    Nwakuche, who made the remarks at the Service Service’s headquarters on Monday while addressing senior officers, pledged to tackle the backlog of trial cases awaiting in the Correctional Service facilities.

    “Keeping inmates in secure custody is a premium mandate that should never be compromised. Our role in the internal security architecture of keeping people safe and humane custody must be preserved.

    “The issues of escapes, riots, and attacks, which often result from negligence, should never be allowed to repeat.

    “The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to your staff,” the Acting Controller-General said.

    He vowed that under his watch, improved management of custodial facilities would be witnessed across the country, whilst due attention would be given to the security of inmates.

    Nwakuche promised to address overcrowding and enhance the Service’s integrity, urging personnel to take their jobs seriously.

    The NCoS boss warned against negligence that could lead to escapes, riots, or attacks, describing such incidents as unacceptable.

    According to Nwakuche, with over 48,900 inmates currently awaiting trial—more than 60 percent of whom face non-bailable charges such as armed robbery and murder-it has become necessary for stakeholders to come to the rescue.

    Nwakuche emphasised the need for collaboration with state executives and judicial authorities to encourage non-custodial measures, such as parole and community service, to reduce the influx of inmates.

    “Presently, our statistics as of Monday, 6th January 2025, show that 48,932 inmates in custody are Awaiting Trial Persons.

    “I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector-General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast-track the trial of these inmates, especially those charged with non-bailable offences like armed robbery, murder, and others that constitute over 60 percent of Awaiting Trial Persons.

    “Meanwhile, I want to urge you to liaise with your state Chief Judges, Attorneys-General, and Commissioners of Police to further address the challenges,” he said.

    Nwakuche noted that the construction of 3,000-capacity ultramodern custodial facilities in some parts of the country is part of measures to alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure and make the environment safer for inmates.

    He stated that the NCoS has plans to deploy technological solutions to improve security and efficiency in custodial management, thereby reducing incidents of escapes and riots.

  • New era in the Nigerian Correctional Service

    New era in the Nigerian Correctional Service

    Sir: The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) plays a pivotal role in national security by maintaining public safety, reforming and rehabilitating offenders, as well as ensuring justice dispensation. However, its effectiveness is heavily dependent on the quality of leadership guiding its operations.

    In recent times, the service has faced several challenges such as overcrowding, jail attack, escapes and infrastructural decadence; which have attracted intense public outcry and mistrust. Excellent leadership is crucial in addressing these myriad challenges facing the service.

    Arising from the foregoing, the nation was thrown into joy when it was announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appointed Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as the Acting Comptroller General of the

    Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), effective December 15, following the retirement of Haliru Nababa who concluded his tenure upon reaching the statutory retirement age.

    This appointment heralds the beginning of strategic leadership that prioritizes vision, excellence and innovation in the beleaguered service.

    With a growing population of inmates presently put at over 80,000, most custodial facilities are operating beyond capacity, often under deplorable conditions; there is the immediate need for leadership that would exhibit foresight and creativity as well as develop public policies and innovative initiatives to address these issues. Such initiatives will not only enhance the service’s operational capacity but also align with global best practices. And that is why the president has made the right choice in Nwakuche.

    He has served in several correctional formations in Port-Harcourt, Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, as well as the National Headquarters (NHQ) Abuja. He was once Technical Assistant (TA) to the Special Assistant on Prison Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, and also the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to two Comptrollers-General of Corrections.

    In 2016, he attended the Senior Executive Course 38 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). He has also attended several courses, conferences, workshops and seminars both locally and internationally.

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    Prior to his appointment, Nwakuche served as the Deputy Controller-General (DCG) in a number of directorates in the Service including; Operations (ops), Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP), Non-custodial Measures (NCM) as well as Training and Staff Development (TSD). Under him, the ITP directorate recorded a spike in revenue generated for government from prison industries and farm centres. Also, in his capacity as DCG TSD, he emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of officers to enhance operational efficiency and uphold the service’s standards.

    As he assumes the role of Acting Comptroller-General, Nwakuche is expected to leverage his extensive experience to advance and enhance the fortunes of the Nigerian Correctional Service. His tenure is anticipated to focus on enhancing staff welfare and wellbeing, revamping the battered image of the Service, improving inmate reformation and rehabilitation programmes, and strengthening security measures within custodial and non-custodial facilities.

    His previous emphasis on training and development suggests a commitment to building a more professional and responsive correctional service.

    The nation looks forward to his contributions toward enhancing the effectiveness and integrity of Nigeria’s correctional system. There is no doubt that the Nigerian Correctional Service requires a superintendent who is visionary, ethical, and proactive. Nwakuche is such a leader that the Service needs at this critical time, not only for the service’s internal efficiency but also for achieving its broader mandate of safeguarding society and reforming lives.

    •Chief Henry Udutchay,Abuja.

  • ATM fraud: Heads to roll in NCS

    NIGERIAN Correctional Service (NCS), has vowed to dismiss its officer who was arrested alongside others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) over alleged Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Fraud, if found wanting.

    Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Office of the EFCC according to a statement issued last Wednesday by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren arrested six fraudsters who specialize in defrauding innocent Nigerians by using bank details obtained through SIM swaps and Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

    NCS spokesman, Francis Enobore said: “As it is now, it is an arrest that has just been made. Investigations I believe have not been concluded to ascertain if they are guilty or not. If it is found that there is merit in the allegations and found guilty of course there is a provision in the public service rules of actions that could be taken.

    “And that is a purely criminal offence and so it will be treated as such. But I do not want to jump the gun. Let’s wait for the outcome of the investigation. If they are guilty they will be shown out of the service. The Controller General (CG), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Ahmed Ja’afaru, has zero tolerance for corruption.”

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    The suspects include Urulo Ikenna Henry, an Inspector with the Enugu Command of Nigerian Correctional Service. Others are Ugonna Nelson Owete, Ugonna Samuel Okafor Obinna, Chigbo Paschal Chidiebere, Oha Chukwujekwu Kingsley, Ahamefula  Francis  Izuchukwu.

    Items recovered from Urulo Ikenna Henry included a Toyota Camry, documents of 2 plots of land, 2 Nigeria Housing Fund Passbook (one belonging to him and the other bearing Ani Wilfred Ochechukwu), 17 ATM cards of different banks bearing different names, 2 Nigerian Correctional Service Identity Cards, 2 smart phones and 2 Nokia phones, 1 NHIS card, 1 voter card, 26 Starter Packs and 15 SIM cards of various networks. Two sachets of Cannabis Sativa, 8 ATM cards bearing different names and banks, 6 Starter Packs, and 4 SIM cards of various networks, one empty ECOWAS Passport, 1 NDA ID card and a voter card were also recovered from Francis Izuchukwu.