The Special Investigative Panel on Abuse and Corruption in Nigeria’s Correctional Centres has submitted its findings to the Federal Government in a three-volume report after inspecting 83 custodial centres across 23 states over a 20-month period.
The Panel, which comprised members from both the public and private sectors, carried out its assignment with the cooperation of the Nigerian Correctional Service throughout the exercise.
The report was formally presented on Wednesday to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, by the Panel led by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
Ajani explained that the findings were compiled following a stakeholders’ engagement held in March, adding that necessary corrections were made on issues relating to inmate welfare and custodial conditions. She also commended the Minister for granting the Panel the freedom to carry out its assignment without interference.
Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo commended the Panel for what he described as a thorough investigation, while reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the correctional system.
According to him, the report would not be ignored, as its recommendations would be carefully studied and implemented to improve conditions in custodial centres across the country.
“This report will not end up on the shelf like others. I will read it and ensure that the recommendations are implemented. Our correctional facilities must be places of hope and centres for the development of human assets. The ugly incidents of abuse, dehumanisation of inmates, corruption and selective treatment between poor and rich inmates must stop,” he said.
The Minister revealed that as of May 2026, a total of 15,632 inmates were admitted while about 14,000 were released under various circumstances, leaving 80,533 inmates in facilities originally designed to accommodate 68,486 persons.
He further disclosed that new custodial centres in Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt are nearing completion and are expected to create additional space for about 15,000 inmates.
Tunji-Ojo also noted that 62 inmates are currently pursuing postgraduate studies, 1,125 are undergraduates, while over 5,000 others are engaged in various skills acquisition programmes aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to reform and assured full cooperation in the implementation of the Panel’s recommendations.