Security agencies in Nigeria have foiled an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into a custodial centre in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, while recording zero prison breaks nationwide between January and June 2026.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Jane Osuji, disclosed this on Thursday at a joint security briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja. She stated that the foiled IED plot prevented what could have been a major security breach, while intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of six suspected traffickers attempting to smuggle prohibited items into custodial centres in Agodi, Kano, Ondo, Akure, Kaduna, and Kuje.
Routine and intelligence-driven searches across facilities recovered 1,167 contraband items, including 130 mobile phones, 2.5kg of Indian hemp, 268 illicit drugs, 41 MP3 speakers, 24 power banks, and cash. The NCoS also confirmed that 628 violent extremist offenders remain in lawful custody under enhanced classification and monitoring protocols, while 22 security infrastructure projects have been completed or are ongoing nationwide, and 27 personnel have been sanctioned under its zero-tolerance disciplinary policy.
In a notable development, the recidivism rate has dropped from 88 per cent over the past three years to 30 per cent, following expanded vocational training, psychosocial support, and the introduction of non-custodial measures. Nine inmates were granted parole for the first time under this system as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) reported that it repatriated 567 foreign nationals and rescued 563 victims of human trafficking between January and May. NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi said six foreign nationals were also deported, including four linked to a visa racketeering syndicate and two who had completed prison terms. Operatives recovered 47 National Identification Number cards from irregular migrants and apprehended 21 stowaways attempting to illegally enter or leave the country through seaports. The service has deployed surveillance masts under the e-border solution and established an integrated operating centre to strengthen border surveillance.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) apprehended 220 suspects, dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing factory, and intercepted counterfeit foreign currency valued at approximately ₦1 billion between January and June. Spokesperson Babawale Afolabi disclosed that the illegal arms factory uncovered in Yobe State was producing locally fabricated rifles for bandits and insurgents. Operatives recovered gun-making equipment, including metal lathes, gun pipes, and fire selectors, with one suspect arrested.
The NSCDC also secured court orders to seal the nationwide operations of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd over alleged large-scale infrastructure vandalism. Intelligence operatives dismantled a major cable theft syndicate, arresting 10 suspects after a gun duel in which one suspect was neutralised. An additional 16 suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal possession of firearms, while eight others were apprehended over illegal mining activities. The corps’ Peace and Conflict Resolution Department handled 3,420 disputes between January and May, successfully resolving 2,692 cases.
All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led enforcement, protecting critical national assets, and combating organised crime across the country.