The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reports no incidents of jailbreaks or attacks in any of its 253 custodial centers across the country in 2023.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar revealed that the Nigerian Correctional Service experienced no jailbreaks or attacks in any of its 253 custodial centers across the country in 2023.
Umar emphasized that the government implemented comprehensive measures to enhance facility security and effectively counteract potential threats, whether internal or external.
He noted that Nigeria had previously faced distressing incidents of severe jailbreaks and attacks, prompting the development of numerous strategies to prevent such trends nationwide.
He recalled that on January 20, the management announced stringent measures for 2023 against perpetrators of jailbreaks, deploying significant personnel and technology for intelligence gathering to prevent such attacks.
These efforts encompass both infrastructural development in the service for 2023 and security strategies aimed at avoiding a recurrence of the incidents that occurred in 2022.
Notably, an incident on July 5, 2022, involved the Islamic State West Africa Province, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, successfully carrying out an attack on a highly fortified custodial center in Abuja.
Having overcome the vigilant security personnel, the group successfully penetrated the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, leading to a substantial escape of 879 inmates, with more than half of them subsequently being recaptured.
Umar emphasized that the absence of jail attacks in Nigeria in 2023 serves as evidence of the effectiveness of robust security measures and the dedicated efforts of security personnel, involving various stakeholders. This achievement reflects a commitment to upholding a safe and secure environment within custodial centers, prioritizing the well-being of both inmates and staff.
“This achievement should be celebrated as a significant milestone in upholding law and order in the country, “he said.
According to Umar, the fact that there were no jail attacks recorded in Nigeria in 2023 is truly remarkable.
“It speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the top-level security measures that have been diligently upheld in our custodial centers across the nation.
“Ensuring the safety and security of these facilities is of utmost importance, as it does not only protects the inmates but also the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to maintain order and rehabilitation within the system.
“This accomplishment can be attributed to a combination of factors. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of the security personnel who diligently carry out their duties, implementing robust protocols and procedures to prevent any untoward incidents.
“Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of security is commendable and should be recognised, “he said.
Expanding on the topic, Umar mentioned that effective inmate rehabilitation and reintegration have played a significant role in fostering tranquility across all custodial centers in Nigeria.
He highlighted that the responsibility of caring for inmates is a substantial undertaking, underscoring the crucial connection between the safety and peace of custodial centers and the overall public safety afforded to societies in the country.
He said, “Don’t forget that it is only in the absence of chaos that businesses strive.
“This year, we ensure that these inmates are kept in our custodial centres without any problem, no riot, no agitation, and the inmates are going about their normal businesses and that is what gives the society the safety they require.
“A secure and well-maintained custodial system not only upholds the rule of law but also provides an environment conducive to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, “he said.
The NCoS spokesperson recognized that the lack of jail attacks in 2023 underscored the significance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.
Umar emphasized that the joint endeavors of diverse stakeholders, such as the Nigerian Police Force, NCoS authorities, and other security agencies, have played a crucial role in upholding the security of custodial centers.
“Their cooperation and vigilance have undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome, “he said.