The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted allegations suggesting that inmates across the country are being underfed or dying from starvation in custodial centres.
In a statement issued during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, April 15, in Abuja, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, dismissed the reports as exaggerated, misleading, and entirely false.
“The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is unfounded. There is no record in any of our custodial centres that inmates are being starved or dying because of inadequate feeding.
“It is completely false to insinuate that inmates are left to starve or that hunger is leading to deaths within our facilities,” he said.
Umar explained that the Federal Government makes annual budgetary provisions for feeding inmates, and that the funds are used under strict supervision in accordance with the Service’s operational guidelines.
“The Federal Government allocates funds specifically for the feeding of inmates, and the process is strictly monitored to ensure compliance with established standards.”
According to him, every inmate is entitled to three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and all custodial centres adhere to operational procedures that ensure timely feeding.
“We want to assure the public that inmates are properly fed and their welfare remains a top priority for the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.
Umar questioned the credibility of the reports, saying the journalist’s claim of gaining access to inmates inside the facilities was implausible given the restricted nature of correctional centres.
“I wonder how a journalist could claim to have interviewed inmates inside a custodial facility. These are high-security zones where you can’t just walk in, let alone carry recording devices.
“Even cameras and mobile phones are prohibited because of the risk of concealed recording. So, for anyone to say they interviewed inmates inside a custodial centre is nothing but a fabrication,” he added.
He also said the NCoS has improved its internal monitoring system to ensure that all funds for inmate welfare, including feeding, are properly used.
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“We maintain a robust accountability system. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their duties faces appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law,” he said.
While acknowledging the existence of operational challenges, Umar insisted they have not affected the quality or quantity of food provided to inmates.
“We are not oblivious to the economic realities and general constraints, but these have not in any way translated to starvation or hunger-related deaths in our facilities.”
He warned that misleading reports could generate public anxiety and damage the image of the Service.
“We urge media organisations to always seek clarification from credible sources before going to press. Journalism is a noble profession that thrives on accuracy and responsibility. Publishing unverified and sensational stories can undermine public trust,” he said.
Umar also said the current administration had taken notable steps to improve inmate welfare.
“When this government came in, they looked into the issue of inmate feeding and increased the allocation by 50 percent. That was the first step toward improving the welfare of those in our custody, and it is subject to further review.”
He praised the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for being “passionate and working round the clock,” and confirmed that a panel had been set up to review inmate feeding.
He called on civil society organisations and the media to visit custodial centres and verify the conditions of inmates firsthand.
“Our facilities are open to oversight visits by relevant stakeholders. We operate transparently and welcome constructive engagement aimed at improving our operations.
“We are committed to humane and dignified treatment of all persons in our custody. Our mandate goes beyond mere incarceration. It includes reforming and rehabilitating inmates to ensure they return to society as better individuals.
“We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in building a correctional system that the nation can be proud of,” he added.