Abuja: The Federal Government has intensified efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremism in custodial centres, with concerns that prisons could become breeding grounds for radicalisation if not properly managed. The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, issued this warning during the opening of a specialised training on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in custodial facilities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Laka stated that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s non-kinetic response to insecurity. He emphasized that while custodial centres are intended for rehabilitation, they could inadvertently serve as recruitment hubs for extremist groups without proactive measures. “Global experience has shown that, if not properly managed, such environments can become breeding grounds for radicalisation,” he said. The training aims to equip relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies with the necessary tools to detect, prevent, and respond to extremist ideologies within correctional facilities.
Laka further noted that the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling violent extremism. He highlighted key interventions by the government, including the deradicalisation programme at the Kuje Custodial Centre and the Operation Safe Corridor, which has rehabilitated over 3,000 former associates of terrorist groups. He added that 744 clients recently graduated from the programme, and a new facility has been established in Zamfara to expand capacity.
In his remarks, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, stated that the agency has moved beyond mere custody to the structured rehabilitation of inmates linked to extremism. Represented by Deputy Controller Jammal Bakare, Nwakuche noted that managing extremist offenders remains one of the most complex challenges in correctional administration. He emphasized that the training would enhance risk assessment, inmate engagement, and reintegration outcomes across facilities. “Custodial centres can either disrupt extremist thinking or unintentionally reinforce it. The difference lies in how prepared we are,” he said.
A Senior Fellow at the Global Centre on Cooperative Security, Ms Saeida Rouass, remarked that the programme is part of a six-month initiative to adapt the global CVE curriculum to Nigeria’s context. She mentioned that the organisation has trained over 45,000 correctional personnel globally and remains committed to supporting Nigeria with technical expertise and best practices.
The training, supported by the Canadian Government, brings together correctional officers and other stakeholders to strengthen institutional capacity and inter-agency collaboration in tackling violent extremism. Participants were urged to translate lessons from the training into practical actions that would improve rehabilitation and prevent radicalisation within custodial centres. The programme is expected to enhance Nigeria’s resilience against violent extremism and strengthen national security.