"NCoS Commandant, Nwakuche Criticizes Officers for Frequent Prison Escapes"
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been grappling with a high number of jailbreaks over the past few years, primarily due to systemic issues such as overcrowding, inadequate security infrastructure, corruption, and the involvement of militant groups exploiting prison vulnerabilities.
Between 2019 and 2025, at least 6,700 inmates escaped from 13 correctional facilities across the country. As of now, fewer than 2,000 escapees have been recaptured, leaving over 4,600 still at large.
In an effort to address this persistent issue, the NCoS has been implementing various measures. These include intensified security operations to capture militants and dismantle networks facilitating jailbreaks, as well as ongoing reforms aimed at improving the overall management of correctional facilities.
Recently, the Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered a security beef-up across all prison facilities. He warned that any further abdication of responsibilities by zonal coordinators, state controllers, and custodial center officers will be met with severe consequences.
Nwakuche did not spare those responsible for the Keffi jailbreak, confirming the incident and stating that no staff will be spared if found culpable. He also reaffirmed the NCoS's commitment to the vision outlined in the NCoS Act 2019, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.
On a positive note, Nwakuche praised President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for their continued support in reforming the NCoS and improving conditions for both personnel and inmates.
In a significant move, the newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections were decorated in Abuja on Friday. Nwakuche emphasized that the elevation of the officers was not just a change of insignia, but a formal recognition of years of diligence, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty.
He reminded the newly promoted officers that their elevation is a call to provide disciplined, proactive leadership. Nwakuche warned that negligence will no longer be tolerated, attributing the repeated jailbreaks to the lackadaisical attitude of some zonal coordinators, state controllers, and custodial center officers.
It's important to note that many of the escapees were awaiting trial for offenses such as terrorism and armed robbery.
[1] Source: Various news articles on the subject. [2] Source: Global correctional reform resources.
- Despite numerous reforms, over 4,600 inmates who escaped from correctional facilities across Nigeria between 2019 and 2025 remain at large.
- The Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has issued warnings to zonal coordinators, state controllers, and custodial center officers, stating that negligence will not be tolerated.
- In a recent move, the newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections were decorated in Abuja, with Nwakuche emphasizing that their elevation is a formal recognition of years of diligence and commitment to duty.
- Many of the inmates who escaped were awaiting trial for offenses such as terrorism and armed robbery, highlighting the potential danger these individuals pose to Nigerian society.
- President Bola Tinubu and Minister of the Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, have been commended for their continued support in reforming the NCoS and improving conditions for both personnel and inmates.
