Abuja: The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have called for stronger collaboration to improve inmates’ welfare, enhance intelligence sharing, operational synergy, and national security management. The NCoS Controller-General, Sylvester Nwakuche, made this appeal in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the service’s headquarters.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwakuche described both institutions as ‘twin brothers’ within Nigeria’s security architecture. He emphasized that the NPF and NCoS remain inseparable in the criminal justice system, noting that without the police, law and order in the country would collapse. The Controller-General pointed out that both agencies have coexisted for over a century and must continue to deepen cooperation in addressing security challenges.
Nwakuche acknowledged the significant presence of police personnel in custodial centres nationwide, including facilities in Kuje, Suleja, Ikoyi, Ebute Metta, and Bauchi. He described their deployment as a major sacrifice and appreciated the efforts of the police in maintaining security within these centres. He noted the interdependence of the agencies, explaining how suspects arrested and prosecuted by the police eventually end up in correctional custody.
Concerns were raised over overcrowding in custodial centres, with Nigeria currently housing about 80,000 inmates, over 55,000 of whom are awaiting trial. Nwakuche attributed this situation to delays within the wider justice system and called for urgent case reviews to reduce congestion. He also advocated for improved intelligence sharing, joint training, and capacity-building programs between the two agencies to address these challenges.
The Controller-General highlighted the importance of rehabilitation, suggesting that convicted inmates could be enrolled in skills acquisition programs to aid their reintegration into society. He lamented the condition of correctional facilities, describing many as aging structures in need of urgent rehabilitation and expansion. Nonetheless, he commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for improvements in welfare, salary structure, and ongoing efforts to upgrade custodial infrastructure.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Disu emphasized the need for officers of both agencies to know each other personally and maintain direct communication to improve coordination during emergencies and operational challenges. He warned that rising security threats, including jailbreak risks and attacks on officers, necessitate stronger collaboration. Disu also advocated for joint training programs to enhance operational efficiency and deepen understanding of each agency’s responsibilities within the criminal justice system.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both security chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to a new phase of collaboration anchored on trust, intelligence sharing, joint training, and coordinated operations to strengthen internal security in Nigeria.