- NCoS Threatens Sanctions Against Officers Over Repeated Jailbreaks
- NCoS boss vows sanctions against negligent officers after repeated jailbreaks.
- Newly promoted officers urged to restore discipline
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has vowed to sanction officers found negligent in their duties following a wave of jailbreaks across the country.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, issued the warning in Abuja on Friday during the decoration of 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections. He blamed the recurring security breaches on the complacency of some officers, stressing that such negligence would no longer be tolerated.
Jailbreak Statistics (2019 – 2025)
Data obtained from media reports, NCoS records, and other sources revealed that at least 6,700 inmates escaped from 13 correctional facilities within the period, with over 4,600 still at large.
- Total inmates escaped: 6,700
- Recaptured: 2,000
- Still at large: 4,600+
Many of the escapees were awaiting trial for terrorism, armed robbery, and other serious offences, raising concerns about national security.
Leadership Failures Identified
Nwakuche expressed displeasure with what he described as the “lackadaisical attitude” of zonal coordinators, state controllers, and custodial centre officers, whom he accused of neglecting their responsibilities.
“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.
Commitment to Reform
The Controller-General reminded the newly promoted officers that their elevation was not merely ceremonial but a call to demonstrate disciplined and proactive leadership at a critical moment when public trust in the correctional system remains fragile.
He reaffirmed NCoS’s commitment to the provisions of the NCoS Act 2019, which shifts focus from punitive incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
Nwakuche also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their continued support in reforming the correctional service and improving welfare for both personnel and inmates.
“The elevation of these officers is not merely a change of insignia but a formal recognition of years of diligence, sacrifice, and unyielding commitment to duty,” he said.
The warning comes as the NCoS grapples with public criticism over repeated jailbreaks, which have raised urgent questions about the security and management of custodial facilities nationwide.
