The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has warned that officers found negligent in their duties will face sanctions, following repeated jailbreaks across custodial centres in the country.
Controller-General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday during the decoration of 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections.
He said the persistent escapes were largely due to the “lackadaisical attitude” of some zonal coordinators, state controllers, and custodial centre officers.
“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,” Nwakuche declared.
Data compiled from media reports, the NCoS website, and other sources indicate that between 2019 and 2025, at least 6,700 inmates escaped from 13 correctional facilities, with more than 4,600 still at large.
About 2,000 escapees have since been recaptured, many of whom were awaiting trial for serious crimes such as terrorism and armed robbery.
Nwakuche reminded the newly decorated officers that their elevation was not ceremonial but a call to disciplined and proactive leadership at a time when public confidence in the correctional system is fragile.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the NCoS Act 2019, which shifts focus from punitive incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
The CG also commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for supporting reforms aimed at improving conditions for personnel and inmates.
According to him, the promotions were not merely changes in insignia but recognition of years of diligence, sacrifice, and commitment to duty.