In a significant move to reform Nigeria's correctional system and enhance security, President Bola Tinubu has authorized the relocation of 29 correctional centres currently situated in urban areas to more appropriate locations. This decision was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity of this initiative, stating that the proximity of these facilities to urban centers poses security risks and hampers effective correctional administration. He highlighted that many of these centres have been encroached upon due to urbanization, making their relocation imperative.
This development comes in the wake of multiple jailbreaks in recent years, which have raised concerns about public safety and the integrity of the nation's correctional facilities. Between October 2019 and April 2024, over 6,000 inmates escaped from various centres across the country, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the correctional system.
The relocation project aims to decongest urban areas, reduce security threats, and provide a more conducive environment for the rehabilitation of inmates. While specific details regarding the new locations and timelines have not been disclosed, the government has expressed its commitment to ensuring that the process is executed efficiently and transparently.
This initiative reflects the administration's broader strategy to address systemic challenges within Nigeria's correctional services and to enhance the overall security architecture of the nation.