Correctional Service Vows Sanctions Over Jailbreaks, Blames Officers’ Negligence

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has issued a stern warning to its personnel, declaring that any officer found negligent in their duties will face strict sanctions in the wake of repeated jailbreaks across the country.

Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the security breaches were largely due to the “lackadaisical attitude” of some officers and stressed that such conduct would no longer be condoned.

Available records from media reports, the NCoS website, and other sources reveal that between 2019 and 2025, at least 6,700 inmates escaped from 13 correctional facilities. Of this number, over 4,600 remain at large, while about 2,000 have been recaptured. Many of the fugitives were awaiting trial for serious crimes, including terrorism and armed robbery.

Speaking in Abuja during the decoration of 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections, Nwakuche directly addressed senior officers, condemning what he described as negligence at various leadership levels. “It is obvious that our Zonal Coordinators, State Controllers, and Officers-in-Charge of Custodial Centres have abdicated their duties. This is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. Any further abdication of responsibilities will surely attract the big stick,” he warned.

The Controller-General told the newly promoted officers that their elevation was not ceremonial, but rather a call to duty at a time when the correctional system is under intense public scrutiny. He reiterated that the NCoS remains committed to the objectives of the NCoS Act 2019, which prioritises rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates over punitive measures.

Nwakuche also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their support toward ongoing reforms, including efforts to improve conditions for both officers and inmates. He noted that the promotion of senior officers symbolised recognition of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering service to the nation.