The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims of poor feeding in its custodial centers, asserting that such reports are false and do not reflect the service’s commitment to inmate welfare. The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar, addressed the issue in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, in Abuja.
This response follows a viral video alleging that inmates at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River State, were subjected to inhumane treatment, including poorly cooked beans as breakfast. In response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an investigation into the conditions at the facility.
Umar emphasized NCoS’s commitment to inmate reform, rehabilitation, and care, focusing on behavior modification and skill acquisition. He clarified that the recent global standards for corrections involve more than just addressing viral complaints; they emphasize maintaining the dignity of inmates and providing adequate medical attention and holistic care.
“The allegation is under investigation as directed by the Minister of Interior, but we cannot confirm or deny the authenticity of the video at this time,” Umar stated. He described the claim as a potential misrepresentation and affirmed the government’s efforts to ensure internal security and effective reformation.
The NCoS, which inherited a colonial-era system, is actively working to modernize and align with contemporary penal standards. Umar noted that there have been no internal insurrections and highlighted the importance of a respectful and adequately resourced environment for inmate reform.
The feeding allowance for inmates is under constant review, with recent increases aimed at improving their nutritional standards. The NCoS is also enhancing its reformation programs, including agricultural training, to support inmates’ reintegration into society.
Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has been pivotal in advancing custodial reform, including upgrades and construction of new facilities, exemplified by the new standards at Kuje Custodial Centre.