The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that no jailbreaks or attacks were recorded in any of the 253 custodial centers across the country in 2023. According to Mr. Abubakar Umar, the Assistant Controller of Corrections and NCoS spokesman, the government implemented comprehensive measures to enhance the security of these facilities, successfully countering potential threats from both internal and external sources.
Highlighting the efforts to address previous challenges, Umar mentioned that significant strategies were implemented to prevent the occurrence of jailbreaks and attacks nationwide. The NCoS had announced earlier that 2023 would witness intensified security measures, including the deployment of personnel and technology for intelligence gathering.
In 2022, there was a notable incident on July 5 involving the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, successfully attacking a highly fortified custodial center in Abuja. Despite this, the NCoS spokesperson emphasized that the absence of jail attacks in 2023 reflects the effectiveness of the implemented security measures and the dedication of security personnel and stakeholders.
Umar concluded that this achievement is a significant milestone in upholding law and order in Nigeria, deserving celebration for maintaining a safe and secure environment within custodial centers and ensuring the well-being of inmates and staff.