SN Nwakuche, MFR, mni

Eid Mubarak 🌙

I warmly felicitate Officers and Men of the Nigerian Correctional Service and all
Muslim Ummah across the nation on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

It was a great honour to lead the delegation of the Nigerian Correctional Service to the International Civil Service Conference 2026 held in Abuja, with the theme: “Reforms, Resilience and Results.”

Our participation in this significant conference underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to the ongoing transformation of correctional administration in Nigeria, in line with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

One of the major highlights of the event was the NCoS exhibition stand, which featured a wide range of products produced by inmates through the Service’s vocational, agricultural, and industrial training programmes. The commendations and positive feedback received from dignitaries, stakeholders, and participants further validated the impact of our rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration initiatives.

We remain resolute in our pursuit of a modern correctional system anchored on reform, resilience, and measurable results, while restoring dignity, promoting self-reliance, and creating opportunities for the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

We therefore call on individuals, organisations, and stakeholders to join us in this collective task of reforming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating inmates for the benefit of all.

Today, I presided over the destruction of 1,167 mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres nationwide. This action underscores our firm resolve to eliminate contraband and strengthen security, discipline, and institutional integrity across the Service.

Recovered over the past eight months through coordinated operations, these items alongside ₦2,569,000 in smuggled cash, already remitted to government highlights both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of our response.

Let me be clear: contraband trafficking will not be tolerated. We have already sanctioned 147 personnel for misconduct, and any officer found complicit will face the full weight of the law. Likewise, external collaborators will be identified and prosecuted.

To reinforce enforcement, we have established a Special Crack Team to intensify intelligence, surveillance, and targeted operations nationwide.

Our mandate remains clear- reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Contraband undermines these goals, and we will continue to take decisive actions to safeguard our custodial centres and uphold public trust.

Today, I extend my profound appreciation to each one of you for your unwavering commitment, discipline, and service to our great nation. Your daily sacrifices, often made under challenging conditions, are the backbone of our corrections system and a testament to your professionalism and patriotism. Happy Workers’ Day.

At the Nigerian Correctional Service, we are redefining what it means to be in custody. Too often, individuals behind our walls are viewed solely through the narrow lens of "convicts" and “awaiting trial.” persons. I believe it is time for a shift in that perception. Those awaiting trial in our care can, in truth, be individuals awaiting opportunity. Opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become productive assets to society.

It was with this conviction that I had the honour of officially flagging off the 2026 Farming Season at our Dukpa Farm Centre in Abuja. This initiative is not just about agriculture; it is about transformation. It is about equipping inmates with practical skills, restoring dignity, and creating pathways for meaningful reintegration into society.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our rehabilitation strategy. Across the Service, we currently have access to over 12,263 hectares of arable land, supported by a committed and able workforce. This presents immense potential, not only to contribute to national food security but also to empower those in our custody with vocational expertise that can sustain them long after their release.

However, the scale of our vision requires collaboration. Government cannot do it alone. I call on private individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to join us through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). With the right investment, modern technology, and technical expertise, we can unlock the full value of our agricultural assets and significantly expand our impact.

This initiative is fully aligned with the Federal Government’s food security agenda. More importantly, it reflects our commitment to a correctional philosophy that prioritises rehabilitation over mere detention. By integrating modern farming techniques and technology into our operations, we are steadily improving productivity across our farm centres nationwide.

During my interaction with inmates at the Dukpa facility, I encouraged them to embrace this programme wholeheartedly. It is more than a seasonal activity. It is a vital component of our broader rehabilitation framework and a stepping stone to a more stable and productive future.

I am optimistic about the 2026 farming season. With early commencement and renewed commitment, we anticipate higher yields and better outcomes. These gains will not only benefit the Service but also reinforce public confidence in our reform-oriented approach.

I must also acknowledge the steadfast support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Their leadership and dedication to Correctional reforms have been instrumental in repositioning the Nigerian Correctional Service for greater effectiveness and relevance.

Earlier, I had the honour of delivering remarks at the closing ceremony of the 3rd Leadership Course on Psychological Operations and Strategic Communications at the Defence Intelligence College, Karu Abuja.

I emphasized a reality that continues to shape modern security: it is no longer defined solely by weapons or physical force. Increasingly, it is about ideas, narratives, and influence.

Many of the most critical battles affecting our nation’s stability are fought in the minds of people, through information, perception, and communication.

From the perspective of the Nigerian Correctional Service, our custodial centres are not merely physical structures; they are complex human environments. In these spaces, the application of effective communication strategies can make a meaningful difference.

When properly deployed, psychological engagement and strategic communication can help prevent radicalisation, encourage positive behavioural change, and strengthen the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

The Service continues to evolve, embracing intelligence-led approaches, reinforcing deradicalisation efforts, and promoting values that prepare inmates for a responsible return to society.

I also stressed that no single agency can address today’s security challenges alone. Stronger collaboration across security and justice institutions remains essential.

To all participants, my message is clear: apply the knowledge you have gained with responsibility build trust, promote unity, and contribute meaningfully to national security.

Today, I had the honour of receiving the Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc+, NPM and his delegation at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja.

Our engagement was both timely and strategic, reaffirming the strong and enduring partnership between the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Nigeria Police Force. We had productive discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, enhancing intelligence sharing, and addressing critical challenges within our criminal justice system, particularly the issue of custodial congestion.

With our inmate population nearing 80,000, and a significant proportion comprising awaiting trial persons, it is clear that closer coordination among key stakeholders is essential. We must work collectively to streamline processes, reduce delays, and improve outcomes across the justice sector.

I commend the Nigeria Police Force for its continued support and commitment to this shared responsibility. Together, we will deepen operational synergy, improve communication channels, and reinforce institutional frameworks that promote national security and public safety.

May the risen Christ bless you with peace, joy, and renewed hope. Happy Easter.