The Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) has reported a total of 3,413 inmates on death row among the 77,849 individuals currently housed in correctional centers nationwide.
The NCoS spokesman, Abubakar Umar, shared this information during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Nigeria.
As of Monday, December 18, 2023, the demographic breakdown of inmates revealed 76,081 males and 1,768 females.
A striking 53,836 individuals, comprising 52,512 males and 1,324 females, were classified as Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs), constituting 69 percent of the total inmate population.
Addressing the challenge posed by the high number of ATIs, Umar highlighted the NCoS’s commitment to expediting trials for suspects.
Despite this, he acknowledged the enormity of the issue and emphasized the need for further efforts.
Umar also reported that no internal insurrections occurred within correctional facilities in 2023, attributing this to the provision of basic needs, proactive measures, and the use of technology for surveillance.
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Efforts to enhance security included collaborative initiatives with other agencies and the deployment of advanced technology for rapid response.
Umar credited these measures and the support of Minister for Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for a notable reduction in the overall inmate population.
Under Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s initiative, 4,086 inmates, who had options of fines and compensation, were released.
The spokesman commended the minister’s proactive approach, emphasizing its positive impact on the correctional system.
The year also witnessed improvements in the treatment regime for inmates, particularly in the areas of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Notably, 1,840 inmates participated in the 2023 NECO/SSCE in Nigeria, while many others engaged in various academic programs within custodial centers nationwide.
“As you are aware, our partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is yielding pragmatic results as many inmates are undergoing various academic programmes, including doctorate degree courses, in custody.
“In the area of staff welfare, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of personnel, as they are invaluable in achieving service mandates.
“In addition to providing more barracks and office accommodation, we promoted many staffers this year. In 2023 alone, we promoted more than 20,000 officers and men.
“On Thursday, Dec. 22, we decorated a total of 5,014 personnel who were recently promoted. This is in addition to the 17,693 who were elevated earlier in the year.
“We also ameliorated the hardship faced by staff arising from the fuel subsidy removal by rolling out several palliative measures.
“One such measure was the provision of mass transit buses to convey staff residing in faraway areas to and from work, at no cost,” he said. #Nigeria