President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 custodial centres across the country as part of efforts to enhance security and improve the conditions of correctional facilities.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement on Friday while commissioning 39 mini Green Maria operational vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) headquarters in Abuja.
Why the Relocation is Necessary
The minister highlighted the inappropriate locations of some prisons, emphasizing that their presence in congested or high-profile areas posed security and logistical challenges.
“For instance, Agodi in Ibadan—what is a custodial centre doing in a market? Ikoyi, why are you sharing a fence with people playing golf? Enugu, what are you doing inside the GRA? Akwa Ibom, why are you facing the government house? Port Harcourt is there, even Suleja,” he stated.
Tunji-Ojo noted that many of these facilities were over 100 years old and were no longer suitable for housing inmates under modern correctional standards.
“I want to assure you that the process of relocation of custodial centres has started, and we will do it,” he added.
Enhancing Security and Inmate Management
The Minister also announced the procurement of 39 operational vehicles aimed at improving the safe and efficient transportation of inmates to and from courts.
The Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, stated that the vehicles would be strategically distributed based on operational needs, helping to address delays in the justice system.
“Beyond enhancing inmates’ court attendance, these vehicles will play a vital role in tackling the longstanding issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in NCoS custody,” he explained.
As of Monday, February 17, 2025, Nigeria’s total inmate population stood at 80,066, with 53,225 (66%) classified as pretrial inmates, while 26,841 (34%) were convicted inmates serving various sentences.
Strengthening Security Against External Attacks
To bolster security at correctional facilities, Tunji-Ojo also unveiled five bullet-resistant guard booths designed to prevent external attacks. These booths, equipped with advanced surveillance technology and resistant to 12.7mm General Multi-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), dynamites, and explosives, will be stationed at key locations, including:
- National Headquarters, Abuja
- Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje
- Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos
A Step Towards Prison Reform The relocation of custodial centres and deployment of security enhancements are part of the government’s broader reforms to modernize Nigeria’s correctional system, improve inmate welfare, and ensure the safety of both the public and prison officials.
