NPF, correctional service strengthen collaboration to boost security, tackle prison congestion

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration to enhance national security and address the persistent congestion in custodial centres nationwide.

Both agencies also pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing as part of efforts to reinforce the country’s security architecture.

According to the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the resolution followed a high-level meeting between the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, held at the Correctional Service Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, the Inspector-General described the engagement as deliberate and strategic, aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.

Osuji, in a statement, said the IGP stressed the need to move beyond formal interactions to closer operational collaboration, including the establishment of direct communication channels among officers for rapid response to emergencies and coordinated handling of security threats.

He highlighted the evolving security landscape, citing intelligence on potential threats to custodial facilities and the risks faced daily by personnel of both services. He noted that these shared challenges make sustained collaboration imperative.

The IGP further advocated enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training programmes, and a deeper understanding of operational procedures, describing the meeting as the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation built on trust, synergy, and shared responsibility.

In his response, the Controller-General of Corrections, Nwakuche, commended the Police for their continued support and partnership, noting that collaboration between both agencies has been critical in managing security incidents, particularly those involving custodial facilities.

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He identified custodial congestion as a major operational challenge, revealing that the inmate population is nearing 80,000, with over 60 per cent classified as awaiting trial. He said the situation places significant strain on facilities and undermines rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

Nwakuche emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Police and the judiciary, to address delays in the criminal justice system and reduce the number of awaiting trial inmates.

He also underscored the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that custodial centres remain valuable sources of actionable information that can support broader national security operations when effectively utilised.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen institutional frameworks for cooperation, improve communication channels, and promote structured collaboration between their agencies. They reiterated that their mandates are complementary and that sustained partnership is essential to ensuring public safety and national stability.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to jointly address security challenges, prevent custodial breaches, and build a safer Nigeria.