The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two of its personnel after uncovering an attempt by a convicted inmate to secure an international passport while still serving a sentence.
The suspension, announced in a statement on Saturday by the Service’s spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, followed the detection of the incident through the Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) automated passport application system.
Umar said the irregularity, which was discovered two weeks ago, was a direct result of recent technological reforms and enhanced inter-agency collaboration between the NCoS and the NIS.
“This misconduct was uncovered through reforms introduced in the Nigeria Immigration Service, which flagged the irregularity,” the statement read.
“This particularly speaks to the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.”
The affected officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), under the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
Quoting the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, the statement reaffirmed the NCoS’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, emphasizing that any personnel found to be involved in acts of corruption, sabotage, or unprofessional conduct will be decisively dealt with.
“The Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards,” Umar stated.
“Any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct or corruption will be shown the way out of the system.”
The attempted passport acquisition by the inmate has raised concerns over internal security lapses within the prison system and the extent of access inmates may have to external operations through compromised officials.
The NCoS has assured the public of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and accountability in correctional facilities across the country.
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