The Federal Government says the number of repeat offenders within the Nigerian Correctional Service has dropped significantly from 11,616 in 2023 to 1,382 in 2025, attributing the development to ongoing rehabilitation and reformation programmes.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of an investigative report on the NCoS, describing the trend as evidence that reforms in the correctional system were yielding results.
“Recidivism was 11,616 in 2023 when we came in, dropped to 3,156 in 2024 and came down to 1,382 recidivists in 2025.
“It means that our reformation programmes are bearing fruit. The point is that we are no longer where we were.
We are making progress,” the minister said.
He added that the government would not declare success until the figure was reduced to zero.
“For us, not until recidivism gets to zero can we say we have succeeded,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister also disclosed that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody in May 2026 alone, while 14,190 were released within the same period under various legal conditions.
“Let me add that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody in May 2026 alone, while 14,190 were released under various terms of imprisonment during the same period,” he said.
He stressed the need for continued reforms and stronger implementation of recommendations contained in the investigative report.
“This report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are going to be very aggressive in terms of implementation,” he said, adding that a monitoring and evaluation committee would be set up.
Tunji-Ojo also called for collaboration with state governments on the relocation of correctional facilities, noting that many of them were no longer fit for purpose due to urban expansion.
Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the investigative panel visited 86 custodial centres across 23 states during its assignment.
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion: A Research Guide.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Your Copy Now” — Basil Momodu, Esq. Unveils Second Edition Of His Book, "Civil Procedure In Nigeria"
According to the learned author, Basil Momodu Esq. "Law review is a continuum. We will continue to track changes in the law to enrich future editions." Recommended Booksellers: Lagos: 08033855230, Abuja: 08035991379, and others.
