The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered all Zonal Coordinators, State Controllers, and training heads to immediately secure correctional facilities nationwide or face strict consequences.
This directive came during an emergency virtual strategy meeting held Tuesday to reinforce prison security ahead of upcoming festivities. Nwakuche, through NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, emphasized zero tolerance for negligence, warning, “This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars—it’s about trust, duty, and national safety.”
Key Measures Announced:
- Urgent audits of all correctional facilities to identify vulnerabilities
- Increased surveillance in high-risk prisons
- Removal of weak personnel from custodial chains
- Strict disciplinary action for negligence or collusion
- Enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and the public
The CGC also stressed internal accountability, stating that any officer linked to breaches will face serious penalties.
Recent Jailbreaks Underscore Need for Action
The directive follows the escape of seven inmates from Ilesa Prison in Osun State after a perimeter wall collapsed during heavy rain. Similar incidents in Maiduguri and Suleja earlier in 2024 have raised concerns over the structural integrity of Nigeria’s prisons.
With the festive season approaching, the Nigerian Correctional Service is intensifying efforts to prevent further breaches and ensure public safety.
