This was disclosed by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Umar provided an update on the total inmate population as of September 3, 2024, which stands at 84,741, comprising 82,821 males and 1,920 females. He noted that a significant portion of the inmate population, totalling 57,750, are awaiting trial, with 56,303 males and 1,447 females in this category.
Umar further detailed that the convicted inmate population includes 21,900 individuals, of which 21,519 are males and 381 are females.
Additionally, 1,501 inmates are serving life sentences, with 1,478 males and 23 females. The total number of inmates on death row consists of 3,517 males and 73 females.
He highlighted the challenges posed by the high number of awaiting trial inmates and outlined the Service’s ongoing efforts to address the issue. These efforts include initiatives backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, which have led to the release of 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines or compensation. The Service is also working on reducing custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, expanding community sentencing, improving court logistics, and implementing various decongestion measures.
Umar emphasised that the NCoS has strengthened security within custodial facilities, ensuring a stable and secure environment with no incidents of internal insurrection.
He also noted significant improvements in the treatment and care of inmates, particularly in personal reformation, rehabilitation programs, and successful reintegration into society. The partnership between the NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has led to a substantial number of inmates enrolling in academic programs, including advanced degrees.
As of August 31, 2024, 1,282 inmates are enrolled in NOUN’s special study centre, with 1,215 pursuing Bachelor’s degrees, 62 enrolled in Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s degrees, and five inmates studying for Doctor of Philosophy degrees.