The federal government has approved the relocation of 29 out of Nigeria’s 256 custodial centers due to rapid urbanization.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja when he commissioned 39 mini green Maria for the conveyance of inmates to and from courts and five bullet-resistant guard booths at the headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja.
The minister also explained the idea behind the establishment of a paramilitary academy, saying paramilitary jobs are not poverty alleviation schemes but lifelong careers that young Nigerians should aspire to get.
He said, “In terms of the relocation of our correctional centers, the president has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating about 29 or so of our correctional centers. We have started, and we are going to finish it.
“I have also insisted that paramilitary jobs are not poverty alleviation schemes. This so why the president has graciously approved the paramilitary academy just the way we have the police academy and the Nigeria Defence Academy NDA. The goal is to catch them young. The academy is a degree-awarding institution,” he added.
He said in some places custodial facilities are facing the gate of the state Government House, sites within a GRA or sharing fence with markets and private residences.
Earlier, Acting Controller General of Corrections CGC, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche said the 39 operational vehicles were specifically procured for the safe and efficient transportation of inmates to and from courts.
“These vehicles will be distributed strategically across our commands, based on identified operational needs and pressing demands.
“In addition to the escort duty vehicles, also to be commissioned today are 5 Bullet Resistant Guard-Booths. These Guard-Booths are stationed at the National Headquarters, Abuja, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Maximum Security Custodial Centres, Port Harcourt, Kano and Lagos. These are meant to secure our custodial centres against external attacks, and is equipped with long range surveillance capabilities to protect against high level threats with resistance to 12.7mm Ammunition General Multi-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and other forms of dynamites and explosives. The Guard Booth will therefore, aid early threat detection and facilitate effective combat responses.
“It should be noted that these Bullet Resistant Guard-Booths are indigenously built by EPAIL, a Company based in Lagos.
“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations’. These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate”, he stated.
He said beyond enhancing inmates’ court attendance, the vehicles play a vital role in addressing the longstanding issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in custody.
“As of Monday 17th, February, 2025 our total inmate population stood at 80,066. Out of this number, 53,225 representing 66% are pretrial inmates while only 34% or 26,841 inmates are convicted inmates serving various times. These large army of ATPs require regular attendance to courts”, he added.
