NCoS speaks on report claiming 26,000 children held in custodial centres

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed as “false,” “misleading,” and “baseless” a recent media report alleging that 26,000 children are currently being held in custodial centres across the country.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, said the Service’s attention was drawn to the “misleading publication by a national tabloid dated 2nd June 2025,” which claimed that tens of thousands of minors were being detained.

“The Service categorically refutes this baseless and unfounded report and views it as a gross misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the public and undermining the credibility of the Service,” Abubakar said.

He emphasized that the NCoS operates in strict compliance with both national and international legal standards. “The Nigerian Correctional Service, in line with national and international legal standards, does not admit children into custodial centres,” he noted.

Citing relevant legislation, Abubakar said, “In accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and the Child Rights Act, 2003, any individual identified as a child (below the age of 18) is handled under a separate juvenile justice system.”

He explained that minors in conflict with the law are directed to specialized facilities. “Such individuals are either referred to juvenile detention facilities such as Borstal Training Institutions or State-owned remand centres, not the adult custodial centres operated by the Service.”

Abubakar also pointed to the rigorous screening protocols the Service uses to ensure minors are not wrongly admitted. “The Service has a robust procedure for verifying the age and identity of inmates at the point of admission,” he said. “In any instance of doubt, the Service liaises with relevant agencies, including the police, judiciary, and social welfare departments, to ensure proper classification and protection of minors.”

Calling the report “potentially damaging,” the spokesperson warned that such misinformation could tarnish the image of the Correctional Service and Nigeria’s broader human rights record.

“The said erroneous report is not only misleading but also potentially damaging to the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the country’s human rights record,” he stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to human rights, the NCoS urged both the public and the media to rely on verified information. “The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to upholding human rights, including the protection of vulnerable groups such as children,” Abubakar concluded. “Members of the public and the media are advised to verify sensitive information through official channels before dissemination.”