The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has blamed recent “unfortunate incidents” in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on the complacency of personnel.
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He stated this at the weekend during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General (ACGs) of Corrections at the Service headquarters in Abuja.
Chaos erupted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, when 16 inmates escaped during a violent jailbreak that left five correctional officers injured, two of them critically.
NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, said the escape occurred after a group of inmates breached the facility’s security and attacked personnel on duty.
Although the CG immediately ordered a probe during his visit to the custodial centre, the findings have yet to be made public.
Addressing the newly decorated officers, Nwakuche said: “Let me, at this point, express my utter disappointment and pain at the lackadaisical attitude of our officers towards their jobs, which has resulted in recent unfortunate incidents.
“It is obvious that our zonal coordinators, state controllers, and officers in charge of custodial centres have abdicated their duties. This is unacceptable.
“This will no longer be tolerated. Any further abdication of responsibilities will surely attract the big stick. I charge you to take full control of your respective zones, states, and custodial centres.”
He further warned the 30 newly decorated top management officers that leadership at their level goes beyond titles, stressing the need for accountability and visibility.
Nwakuche urged them to see their new ranks as symbols of trust and responsibility, expressing confidence that they would justify the faith reposed in them.
Responding on behalf of the ACGs, Sylvanus Yakubu pledged their readiness to support the reforms of the current administration and deliver on their mandates.
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