Benin: Oko Medium Security Correctional Centre in Edo State has been grappling with security concerns following the deterioration of its watchtower since 2023. The correctional facility, which suffered a jailbreak during the EndSARS protests in October 2020, has been a focal point of security apprehensions, particularly due to the damaged watchtower that had left guards vulnerable and the facility exposed.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the facility has faced challenges in maintaining security infrastructure due to financial constraints and bureaucratic delays. The House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to establish a judicial panel to investigate prison attacks and prevent future breaches. Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum highlighted that over 7,000 inmates had escaped across 17 jailbreaks in Nigeria from September 2015 to July 2023.
Serving as a crucial component of the justice system in Edo State and the South-South Geopolitical Zone, the Oko Correctional Centre holds over 1,200 inmates, exceeding its original capacity of 608. The watchtower is essential for maintaining surveillance and security, but its dilapidated state, worsened by weather exposure, compromised its effectiveness.
Deputy Controller of Corrections, Henry Eromosele, pointed out the challenges faced by guards due to the defective roof, especially during rainy seasons, which hindered their ability to protect the facility. The Civic Rights Advancement and Information Initiative (CRAII) intervened to address the structural issues as part of their commitment to prison reform and welfare support.
CRAII National Coordinator, Andrew Akpor, emphasized the importance of maintaining functional correctional facilities for human rights protection. Following their visit in July 2025, CRAII mobilized resources and collaborated with prison authorities to restore the watchtower by August 2025, ensuring the structure could withstand harsh weather conditions.
Mr. Sunday Oyakhire, Controller of Corrections in Edo State, acknowledged the positive impact of the restored watchtower on security operations and staff morale. The project, despite encountering challenges like security clearance delays and unpredictable weather, was completed successfully, showcasing the effectiveness of civil society collaboration in correctional administration improvements. Akpor noted that the watchtower’s restoration not only enhanced security but also improved the overall correctional environment.
The intervention serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing maintenance of correctional facilities across Nigeria to ensure safety and security, demonstrating the critical role that non-governmental organizations can play in supporting national correctional reform initiatives.