The Federal Government has approved the relocation of 29 out of Nigeria’s 256 Custodial Centres due to rapid urbanisation.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of 39 mini-Green Maria for transporting inmates to and from court, along with five bullet-resistant guard booths at the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) headquarters.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also explained that paramilitary jobs were not poverty alleviation schemes but rather serious career paths, with the establishment of a paramilitary academy aimed at fostering young talent for the Service.
“In terms of relocating our Correctional Centres, the President has graciously approved the relocation of about 29 of our Custodial Centres. The process has started, and we are determined to complete it,” the Minster said.
He further emphasised that the academy, similar to institutions like the Police Academy and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), would serve as a degree-awarding institution to help nurture young Nigerians for lifelong careers in paramilitary roles.
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“The idea is to catch them young,” the Minister added, noting that in some areas, custodial facilities are located near state government houses, markets, or residential areas.
The minister also unveiled five Bullet-Resistant Guard-booths stationed at various key locations, including the NCoS national headquarters in Abuja, Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, and Maximum Security Custodial Centres in Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos. The booths, equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities and resistance to high-level threats such as 12.7mm ammunition, will bolster security at the facilities.
The vehicles and guard booths were part of NCoS’ efforts to address challenges related to inmate transportation and security, especially concerning Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs). The Guard Booth will therefore, aid early threat detection and facilitate effective combat responses.
“It should be noted that these Bullet Resistant Guard-Booths are indigenously built by EPAIL, a Company based in Lagos.
“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations’. These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate”, he stated.
He said beyond enhancing inmates’ court attendance, the vehicles play a vital role in addressing the longstanding issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP) in custody.
“As of Monday 17th, February, 2025 our total inmate population stood at 80,066. Out of this number, 53,225 representing 66% are pretrial inmates while only 34% or 26,841 inmates are convicted inmates serving various times. These large army of ATPs require regular attendance to courts”, he added.
