The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has read a riot act to all Zonal Coordinators and Command Controllers of the Service to ensure that all custodial facilities in their care are well secured, or there will be consequences for failure to comply.

He gave the charge at an emergency virtual meeting with senior correctional officials to address security concerns regarding custodial facilities across Nigeria.

During the meeting attended by Zonal Coordinators, Commandants of Training Colleges, Schools, and State Command Controllers on measures to enhance security amidst ongoing heavy rains and upcoming festivities, Nwakuche insisted that failure and excuses have no place in his administration.

Nwakuche emphasised the importance of maintaining safety within correctional facilities, stating, “Secure custodial facilities or face the consequences.”

He stressed that security is not merely about physical structures but involves building trust and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.

“This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars, it’s about trust, duty, and the safety of every Nigerian,” he said.

Key outcomes from the meeting included directives for immediate audits of all correctional facilities to assess vulnerabilities, implementing proactive measures to fortify high-risk facilities, and reinforcing surveillance checks.

Commanding officers were instructed to eliminate any weak links within the custodial chain and were reminded of a strict zero-tolerance policy for negligence or complicity in security lapses.

Nwakuche promised swift action against any personnel found negligent in their duties and concluded the session by calling for unity, discipline, and collaboration with other security agencies and the public to enhance overall security within the correctional system.