Nigerian Correctional Service Investigates Allegations of Poor Feeding at Calabar Custodial Centre....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched an investigation into claims of poor feeding conditions at the Calabar Custodial Centre, following a viral video that sparked public outcry. The video allegedly shows inmates being subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.

Abubakar Umar, the Service Public Relations Officer, addressed the issue during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja. He emphasized that the NCoS is fully committed to the welfare, reformation, and rehabilitation of inmates, in line with global standards for penal administration.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had previously ordered an investigation into the conditions at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar. This directive followed widespread concern over the allegations of mistreatment within the facility.

Umar reaffirmed the NCoS’s dedication to upholding the dignity of those in its care, noting that the service is focused on behavior modification and skill acquisition programs designed to help inmates reintegrate into society. He highlighted the importance of the name change from “prison” to “correctional service,” which reflects a shift towards a philosophy of correction and rehabilitation.

“The allegation is being looked into as directed by the Minister of Interior. Until the investigation is complete, we cannot confirm or deny that the trending video is from one of our custodial centres,” Umar stated. He added that the service inherited a colonial-era system and is actively working to modernize it to meet contemporary standards.

Addressing the issue of feeding, Umar noted that the NCoS has been working diligently to ensure that inmates receive adequate nourishment, even with limited resources. He mentioned that the feeding allowance for inmates has recently been increased by 50%, which will lead to an improved feeding system within custodial centres across the country. The NCoS also plans to supplement this with agricultural products from its farm centres, further enhancing the quality of meals provided.

Umar also pointed out that the NCoS has expanded its reformation and rehabilitation programs, offering inmates valuable skills acquisition opportunities, including agricultural training. These initiatives are designed to empower inmates for successful reintegration into society upon their release.

The Minister of Interior’s commitment to reform is evident in the recent upgrades, renovations, and construction of new custodial centres, such as the prototype facility in Kuje. These efforts underscore the government’s resolve to improve the internal security and rehabilitation standards of Nigeria’s correctional facilities.