Management of the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS), has said that reports that one of its facilities has substituted beef for cat meat in the diet of inmates is “malicious and untrue”, asking the public to disregard the report

Earlier, reports emerged that the Maiduguri Custodial Facility ordered the massive killing of cats to be fed to inmates as a substitute for beef, which was meant to be given to inmates once a month.

But in a communique signed by the national Public Relations Officer, (PRO), of the agency, Abubakar Umar, the NCoS claims the report is false and exposes the naivety of the author about the processes involved in food supply to inmates, as the agency is committed to the welfare of inmates.

“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, has been drawn to a report in sections of the media alleging that the Command substitutes cat meat for beef in its custodial centers.

“The report is not only malicious but untrue and most unfortunate. At best, it exposes the naivety of the author about the processes involved in food supply to inmates,” the statement contains.

It adds that “For the avoidance of doubt, inmates’ ration is awarded to certified vendors who supply raw food stuff to designated custodial centres.

“A ration committee constituted by the Controller-General, comprising the officer in-charge of the centre, a medical officer, a welfare officer, a ration clerk, the chief warder, and other relevant professionals, confirms the wholesomeness before recommendation for payment.

The actual cooking is done by the inmates themselves under the supervision of professional caterers, and it is mandatory for designated officers to have a taste of the food before serving it to the inmates.

“All these processes are documented for official references and, in a nutshell, show the seriousness attached to inmate feeding by the management of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“Besides, it is immoral and insensitive to insinuate that cat, a pet, which many detest as food, will be officially served to a people!

“Nigerian Correctional Service, therefore, wishes to advise the public to disregard the unfounded information as it remains a figment of the author’s imagination.

“The welfare of inmates remains sacrosanct and the goal of reformation towards safe reunion with society is unwavering.