THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has expressed concern regarding a report in a national daily that claims Nigerian prisons are “hotbeds” for tuberculosis (TB).

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Service, Jane Osuji, said that the report published on January 3, 2026, is not only malicious but also speaks poorly of responsible media coverage on public health issues.

Osuji, in a statement in Abuja, explained that the Service finds the report inaccurate and misleading.
“The report adopted a sensational tone, portraying custodial centres as unchecked ‘hotbeds’ for tuberculosis.

“This approach is misleading and gives an erroneous impression of systemic neglect where none exists,” she said.
The NCoS highlighted that the reporter had requested information on TB treatment and control measures, to which the service provided detailed and factual responses, but despite the response, the reporter went ahead to publish a report that is not supported by the agency’s data.

Osuji pointed out that the NCoS operates health clinics across custodial facilities nationwide and collaborates with the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), as well as various health authorities and non-governmental organisations.

According to her, “Inmates diagnosed with tuberculosis are promptly placed on nationally approved treatment regimens at no cost.

“These broad claims and narratives in the report are not supported by our data.”
The Service further explained its comprehensive healthcare management system, which includes medical screenings upon entry, periodic health assessments, and infection control measures. It pointed out that the successful prevention of COVID-19 in custodial centres demonstrates its capacity to manage communicable diseases, including TB.
While acknowledging issues like congestion in some urban facilities, NCoS reiterated its commitment to decongestion efforts and improving inmate welfare.

“We are actively engaged in decongestion through jail delivery exercises and expanding non-custodial measures,” the spokesperson noted.

The NCoS also announced plans to recruit additional medical professionals to enhance healthcare delivery across custodial centres, saying, “We remain committed to safeguarding the health, dignity, and human rights of all persons in custody.”

The Service said that while it welcomes constructive criticism, it rejects alarmist and misleading reports.