Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has drawn a hard line in the sand. In a move to confront growing concerns, the CGC today summoned all Zonal Coordinators, Commandants of Training Colleges, Schools, and State Command Controllers to an emergency virtual strategy session. This was contained in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections/Public Relations Officer.
The meeting was convened to outline security ahead of the festivities and activate proactive measures to mitigate security breaches to facilities across the country in view of the heavy rains. The Controller General, while addressing the Senior Officers, issued a stern directive: secure custodial facilities or face the consequences.
“This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars—it’s about trust, duty, and the safety of every Nigerian,” CGC Sylvester declared. The time for complacency is over.”
During the session, the CGC also listened to concerns from the Senior Officers, applauded some, admonished where necessary, and tasked them on innovative solutions.
Key Decisions from the Virtual Meeting:
• Immediate audits of all correctional facilities to assess vulnerabilities.
• Activation of proactive measures to bolster high-risk facilities.
• Commanding officers directed to identify and remove weak links within the custodial chain.
• Officers tasked to beef up surveillance checks.
• Commanding officers were reminded of the zero tolerance policy and that officers found guilty of negligence, collusion, or dereliction of duty will face stiff penalties.
The Controller General didn’t mince words about internal accountability, promising swift action against any personnel in the event of security breaches.
The meeting closed with a renewed call for unity, discipline, and vigilance among correctional staff, as well as deepening of interagency collaboration with sister security agencies and the public.
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