Nigeria Correctional Service Addresses Theft Allegations at Kuje Facility
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has officially dismissed claims that over N120 million worth of valuables were stolen from inmates at the Medium Security Storage Center during a recent inspection. In a statement from Corrections Commissioner Jane Osuji, the agency described these allegations as false, misleading, and at odds with established detention procedures.
The statement clarified that the operation in question was a routine safety inspection conducted in alignment with standard operating procedures designed to maintain safety, order, and discipline within the facility. According to NCoS, all prohibited items retrieved during the inspection were properly documented and disposed of.
The correctional agency further explained that inmates are prohibited from keeping unauthorized items or large sums of money during their incarceration. Personal items declared upon an inmate’s admission are securely documented and held until their release.
The NCoS confirmed that records from the Kuje detention center did not indicate that any of the valuables mentioned in the allegations had been declared by inmates at the time of their admission, nor were any such items confiscated during the inspection. The agency emphasized that these items would be classified as prohibited contraband, with possession constituting a violation of correctional regulations.
Additionally, the department noted that no formal or informal complaints regarding theft or loss of the disputed items have been lodged by detainees through established channels. NCoS reassured the public that the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Center remains calm, orderly, and secure.
In light of these allegations, the NCoS has urged media outlets and the general public to refrain from disseminating unverified claims that could mislead citizens and erode trust in public institutions. The agency encouraged journalists to seek clarification through official channels to facilitate fair and accurate reporting.
The agency’s rebuttal comes amidst a flurry of social media reports suggesting that inmates at the Kuje detention center were robbed of cash and other valuables during search operations conducted by prison officers. These claims have sparked public discourse and intensified scrutiny of living conditions within correctional facilities.
The Kuje Medium Security Storage Center, located in the Federal Capital Territory, is one of Nigeria’s most notable correctional institutions, having housed numerous high-profile inmates over the years. Its security and management gained renewed attention following the July 2022 terrorist attack, which resulted in the escape of hundreds of inmates and prompted heightened security measures across detention facilities nationwide.
Since this incident, the NCoS has ramped up its security protocols, implementing regular inspections and surveillance operations as part of efforts to prevent the possession of prohibited items and curb criminal activities within detention centers. The department has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect inmate welfare, and pursue ongoing reforms aimed at promoting professionalism, transparency, and accountability across Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
