The Nigerian Correctional Service has reported a notable achievement, with zero jailbreaks and attacks recorded in all 253 custodial centers across the country in 2023. Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, the spokesman, revealed this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.
Umar emphasized that the government had implemented comprehensive measures to enhance the security of these facilities, effectively countering potential threats from both internal and external sources. He acknowledged the past challenges of frequent and alarming jailbreaks and attacks in Nigeria, noting that strategic efforts were undertaken to prevent such incidents nationwide.
He recalled the management’s announcement on January 20, declaring 2023 as a challenging year for jailbreak perpetrators. Substantial resources, including personnel and advanced technology for intelligence gathering, were deployed to forestall any potential attacks.
The spokesman highlighted both infrastructural developments within the service and security strategies implemented for the year 2023, specifically designed to prevent a recurrence of events similar to those in 2022.
In 2022, an incident involving the Islamic State West Africa Province, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, led to a successful attack on a heavily fortified custodial center in Abuja on July 5. Despite overcoming security personnel, the group infiltrated the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, resulting in the escape of 879 inmates, with more than half subsequently apprehended.
Umar emphasized that the absence of jail attacks in Nigeria in 2023 was a testament to the effectiveness of robust security measures and the dedicated efforts of security personnel and various stakeholders. This achievement, he stated, underscores the commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within custodial centers for 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 protect 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 recognized, “he said.
Speaking further, Umar said that proper inmate rehabilitation and reintegration had also contributed to the peace enjoyed in all custodial centers in Nigeria.
He said that the care for inmates’ was a very huge task adding that the safety and peace of the custodial centres vis-a-vis were the public safety given 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 centers 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 spokesman acknowledged that the absence of jail attacks in 2023 also highlighted the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies.
Umar said that the coordinated efforts of various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force, NCoS authorities, and other security agencies, have also played a pivotal role in maintaining the security of custodial centers.
“Their cooperation and vigilance have undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome, “he said.
(NAN)
