NCoS reacts to passport scandal involving inmate, suspends 2 officers

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed and addressed a recent incident involving a convicted inmate caught attempting to process an international passport while in custody, describing it as a serious breach of protocol.

In a press statement released by the Service’s spokesperson, Umar Abubakar AICMC, ANIPR, the NCoS said, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a recent media report that a convicted inmate was caught processing a passport while in custody.”

The Service clarified that the misconduct was not only detected but was also intercepted as a result of recent reforms and improved coordination between agencies.

“This misconduct was detected through the automated passport application process and other holistic reforms within the Nigeria Immigration Service a fortnight ago,” the statement read. “This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.”

The NCoS emphasized that the incident was contrary to its operating procedures. “Such actions contradict established rules and procedures, and are unacceptable and impermissible,” the Service noted.

As a result of the findings, disciplinary action was swiftly taken. “Subsequently, necessary disciplinary actions were taken, including the suspension of the two (2) correctional personnel implicated in the incident by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB),” Abubakar stated.

The disciplinary measures were approved under the supervision of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who chairs the CDCFIB.

In his response, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, strongly condemned the breach and reiterated his commitment to institutional discipline. “The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to upholding discipline, transparency, and professionalism in all custodial centres across the country,” Nwakuche said.

He further warned that misconduct of any kind would not be tolerated: “Any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system.”

Addressing public concerns, the Service assured Nigerians of its ongoing commitment to best practices. “The public is assured that the Service remains committed to its mandate of safe custody, humane treatment, and reform of inmates in line with global best practices,” the statement concluded.

The NCoS urged the media and public to continue supporting its internal reforms and its cooperation with other security and justice agencies aimed at sanitizing the correctional system.