The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two of its officers after it was uncovered that a convicted inmate attempted to obtain an international passport while still in custody.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar.
Umar explained that the attempted misconduct was flagged through the Nigeria Immigration Service’s automated passport application system, highlighting the success of ongoing collaboration between government agencies.
“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.
“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.
“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures, ” he said.
The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.
According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.
“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.
