The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed online reports alleging that inmates at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja were dispossessed of valuables worth more than ₦120 million during a recent operation within the facility.
The Service described the claim as inaccurate and sensational, insisting that no theft occurred during the security exercise conducted at the custodial centre.
Spokesperson of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, explained that officials carried out a routine search aimed at maintaining discipline and preventing the circulation of prohibited items within the facility.
According to her, all items recovered during the exercise were properly documented in line with existing custodial procedures.
She stated that inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorized valuables or large sums of money while in custody, adding that any belongings declared upon admission are officially recorded and secured by authorities until the inmate is released.
Osuji further noted that records available at the Kuje facility do not support claims that the alleged valuables were ever declared or kept on behalf of any inmate.
“The reports being circulated do not reflect the true situation within the custodial centre,” she said, stressing that there was no documented evidence linking the alleged missing items to any inmate in the facility.
Furthermore, the Correctional Service disclosed that no inmate had lodged a complaint concerning missing money or valuables through any official channel following the operation.
It maintained that the Kuje custodial facility remains calm and secure, while urging media organisations and members of the public to verify sensitive information before dissemination.
The Service added that routine searches are part of broader reforms and security measures introduced by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to strengthen professionalism, transparency, accountability and operational efficiency across custodial centres nationwide.
