The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has destroyed large confiscated items from various custodial centres across the nation.

Speaking during the exercise on Tuesday in Abuja, the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, said that the prohibited items, which include phones and other electronic devices, were considered contraband for inmates in custody.

Mr Nwakuche said that the exercise was not merely about the destruction of contraband but a clear statement of resolve that the NCoS would decisively confront and eliminate threats to the security, order, and integrity of the custodial centres.

He also said that the exercise was part of a sustained and deliberate effort to restore order and reinforce the true purpose of the nation’s custodial system, which includes reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

He added that every item destroyed represented a step toward a more secure and credible correctional system.

According to him, the exercise witnessed the destruction of prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country within the last eight months.

“These include mobile phones, SIM cards, and other unauthorised materials. Their presence within our facilities is unacceptable. They compromise security, disrupt discipline, and create channels through which criminal activities are sustained from within custody.

“A total of 1,167 mobile phones, comprising Android devices, iPhones, and button phones alongside various earpieces, chargers, and other unauthorised materials are being destroyed today.

“In addition, smuggled and trafficked cash totalling N2,569,000 confiscated from inmates in the course of these operations has been duly paid into the appropriate government treasury, in line with extant financial regulations. These recoveries underscore both the scale of the challenge and the seriousness of our response,” he said.

The NCoS boss, however, said that the problem of illicit drug trafficking and prohibited items was not sustained by internal actors alone.

He noted that there were individuals outside the custodial centres who deliberately exploit the weaknesses by smuggling prohibited items.

He said these were done through concealment in food, clothing, and other means, noting that such activity seeks compromise from its personnel.

He stated, “This collusion between insiders and outsiders is what we are determined to break completely and permanently. Let me be unequivocal: anyone who engages in the smuggling of contraband into our facilities, whether as a visitor, contractor, or collaborator, will face severe consequences.

“These acts are not minor infractions; they are deliberate attempts to undermine national security and the administration of justice. We are not speaking in theory. Several individuals have been apprehended in the course of these illegal activities.

“Many have been handed over to law enforcement agencies, including the police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for prosecution. Some are already facing the full weight of the law. This is the reality of the path they chose.”

Mr Nwakuche further said that in response to the threat, the NCoS established a dedicated special crack team, distinct from routine security structures, to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted enforcement.

According to him, the recoveries are a direct result of service’s efforts, supported by other security agencies. 

He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership and consistent support to the service.

The CG said the minister’s commitment to strengthening internal security and advancing reforms had been instrumental in the progress the service had made.

He added, “We remain aligned with the ministry’s vision and grateful for its continued guidance. I extend my appreciation to our sister security agencies, the media, and all stakeholders for their continued support.

“We remain committed to building a correctional service anchored on discipline, transparency, and public trust.”

(NAN)