TheCable

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 3,413 inmates in its custody are on death row.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Friday, Abubakar Umar, NCoS spokesperson, said the total number of inmates across the country is 77,849 comprising 76,081 males and 1,768 females as of December 18.

The spokesperson said Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has worked to trim the number of inmates in the country, adding that the total number of awaiting trial inmates (ATIs) is 53,836 comprising 52,512 males and 1,324 females.

“Awaiting Trial Persons (ATP), in custody constitute 69 per cent of the total inmate population. This phenomenon is a huge challenge to us,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“The minister’s initiative ensured the release of 4,086 inmates who had options of fine and compensation.”

Umar said because of the provision of basic needs for inmates, no form of insurrection was witnessed in 2023.

“This is through the deployment of technology for surveillance and provision of logistics for rapid response in and around custodial facilities,” he said.

Umar said a total of 1,840 inmates sat for the 2023 NECO/SSCE.

“As you are aware, our partnership with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), is yielding pragmatic results as many inmates are undergoing various academic programmes, including doctorate degree courses, in custody,” he said.

“In the area of staff welfare, we are committed to improving the wellbeing of personnel as they are invaluable in achieving service mandates.

“In addition to providing more barracks and office accommodation, we promoted many staffers this year. In 2023 alone, we promoted more than 20,000 officers and men.”

He added that the service has provided aid for staff to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on petrol.