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The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 3,590 inmates are currently on death row across the country’s custodial centers, reflecting an alarming rise in crime rates driven by economic challenges.
Among these inmates, 73 are females, signaling an unsettling trend where women, once respected and largely uninvolved in such acts, are increasingly turning to crime as a means of survival in a harsh economy.
This troubling development highlights the urgent need for the government to address the root causes of crime and create a more supportive environment for its citizens.
NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar, provided further insights into the state of Nigeria’s custodial centers, revealing that as of September 3, 2024, a total of 84,741 inmates were housed across the nation’s facilities.
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Umar emphasized the NCoS’s ongoing efforts to reduce custodial congestion through the construction of new facilities, the expansion of community sentencing, and other decongestion measures.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising inmate population and highlighted initiatives like the release of 4,063 individuals who were given the option to pay fines or compensation as part of the solution.
In addition to addressing overcrowding, the NCoS has made strides in enhancing the treatment and care of inmates, with a focus on personal reformation and rehabilitation programs.
The partnership between the NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has yielded positive results, with over 1,282 inmates enrolled in various academic programs, including advanced degrees, while serving their sentences.
Umar’s remarks highlight the importance of education and skill development in reducing recidivism and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society but also signal the pressing need for broader governmental intervention to curb the factors contributing to the rising crime rates in Nigeria.
