Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration aimed at enhancing national security, strengthening intelligence sharing, and addressing the challenge of congestion in custodial centres across the country. This was contained in a statement signed by CSC Jane Osuji, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service.
This formed the outcome of a high-level courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc+, MFM, and his delegation to the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the Inspector-General described the engagement as both deliberate and strategic, noting that it was designed to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. He emphasized the need to move beyond formal interactions towards closer operational collaboration, including direct communication channels among officers for swift response to emergencies and coordinated handling of security challenges.
The IGP highlighted the evolving security landscape, including intelligence on potential threats to custodial facilities, as well as the risks faced daily by personnel of both services. He stressed that these shared challenges make sustained collaboration not only necessary but imperative.
He further advocated for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training programmes, and deeper mutual understanding of operational procedures, describing the visit as the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation anchored on trust, synergy, and shared responsibility.
In his response, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the Nigeria Police Force for its continued support and partnership.
He noted that collaboration between both agencies has been instrumental in responding to security incidents, particularly those involving custodial facilities.
The Controller-General identified custodial congestion as a major operational challenge, revealing that the current inmate population is approaching 80,000, with over 60% classified as awaiting trial persons. He explained that the situation places considerable pressure on facilities and impacts the effectiveness of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among critical stakeholders, including the police and the judiciary, to address delays within the criminal justice system and reduce the number of awaiting trial persons.
The Controller-General also underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that custodial centres serve as vital sources of actionable information that can support broader national security operations when effectively harnessed.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen institutional frameworks for cooperation, improve communication channels, and promote structured collaboration between their respective agencies. They reiterated that their mandates are complementary and that sustained partnership is essential to achieving public safety and national stability.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both agencies to work jointly in addressing security challenges, preventing custodial breaches, and building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
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