The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reaffirmed commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) on intelligence sharing and custodial security.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by the service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji.
Osuji quoted the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, as giving the assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Maj.-Gen. Risku Hedima, to the NCoS National Headquarters.
Nwakuche said that the collaboration aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s national security.
He described the visit as a demonstration of the enduring partnership between the two security institutions, stressing the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation in tackling contemporary security threats.
According to him, security is a shared national responsibility, and the challenges confronting custodial centres have become increasingly complex, making stronger collaboration, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated action among security agencies more imperative than ever.
He disclosed that currently inmates population across the country was about 81,000, with approximately 65 per cent awaiting trial and more than 4,000 on death row.
“The figures underscore the enormous responsibility placed on correctional personnel in safeguarding custodial facilities across the country,” he said.
Nwakuche paid tribute to officers and men of the service who had made the ultimate sacrifice while defending custodial centres against attacks and containing security breaches.
He assured that the NCoS remained committed to protecting lives, securing its facilities and fulfilling its statutory mandate.
The controller-general also highlighted the service investment in inmate reformation and rehabilitation through education, vocational skills acquisition and de-radicalisation programmes for violent extremists.
He added that specialised programmes were also being implemented for juveniles in Borstal Training Institutions, describing rehabilitation as an essential component of national security.
Nwakuche expressed optimism that enhanced cooperation between the two institutions would strengthen intelligence coordination, improve custodial security and contribute to the country’s broader security architecture.
In his remarks, Hedima said the visit was aimed at consolidating the longstanding relationship between the NAIC and the NCoS as well as exploring practical ways to strengthen security collaboration.
He commended the NCoS for its critical role in securing custodial centres and reforming offenders, while acknowledging the dedication of correctional officers working under increasingly demanding security conditions.
Hedima noted that evolving security threats required continuous adaptation of custodial security architecture.
He advocated institutionalised joint training for personnel of both agencies, designation of intelligence focal officers and prompt exchange of actionable and time-sensitive intelligence.
“Our adversaries are constantly evolving. Our response must equally evolve through stronger partnerships, better intelligence coordination and sustained collaboration among security agencies,” he said.(NAN)
