The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has issued a stern warning to its officers, declaring that negligence in their duties will no longer be tolerated following a series of jailbreaks that have undermined the integrity of custodial centres across the country.
Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said that the repeated jailbreaks were a direct result of the lackadaisical attitude of certain officers. Speaking at the decoration ceremony of 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General in Abuja, Nwakuche emphasized that any further neglect would be met with serious sanctions.
Recent data from multiple sources reveals that between 2019 and 2025, at least 6,700 inmates have escaped from 13 correctional facilities, with over 4,600 still on the run. Many of these escapees were awaiting trial for serious offences such as terrorism and armed robbery. However, authorities have managed to recapture over 2,000 of them.
Nwakuche made it clear that the NCoS would not tolerate the abrogation of responsibilities by Zonal Coordinators, State Controllers, and officers in charge of custodial centres. He stressed that those failing to meet their obligations would face severe consequences.
The NCoS boss also took the opportunity to reinforce the service’s commitment to reform, citing the NCoS Act of 2019, which places greater emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than mere punishment. He acknowledged the ongoing support of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in strengthening the correctional system.
In his closing remarks, Nwakuche reminded the newly promoted officers that their advancement was not just symbolic, but a call to provide leadership during a time when public trust in the correctional system is at a critical low.
He urged them to lead with discipline, integrity, and a renewed focus on accountability.
