Sylvester Nwakuche, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has warned senior officers to either secure custodial centres or be prepared to face serious consequences, in a stern directive aimed at tightening security across Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
The warning came during an emergency virtual strategy meeting convened to address growing concerns over facility safety ahead of the festive season and amid the challenges posed by heavy rainfall.
“Every correctional facility must be secured without excuse, and any officer found wanting will be held accountable. “This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars, it’s about trust, duty, and the safety of every Nigerian. The time for complacency is over”, he stated.
The emergency meeting, announced in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, focused on evaluating security arrangements ahead of anticipated seasonal pressures.
Nwakuche stressed the need for immediate audits of all correctional centres to uncover and address any vulnerabilities.
He also directed commanding officers to reinforce security at high-risk locations, tighten surveillance protocols, and scrutinise their chains of command for weak links.
The CGC reminded officers that the Service operates under a strict zero-tolerance policy.
He warned that personnel found guilty of negligence, collusion, or dereliction of duty will face severe disciplinary action without delay. Internal accountability, he said, must be upheld if public trust is to be maintained.
He urged leadership at all levels to think creatively and develop practical, location-specific strategies to guard against breaches.
He also called for renewed discipline, vigilance, and teamwork among correctional staff.
The Controller General also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to ensure that custodial centres remain secure, especially during periods of increased vulnerability.
