By Victoria Attah, Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has destroyed 1,167 confiscated mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres nationwide, in a renewed crackdown on contraband smuggling and internal compromise within the correctional system.
In a press statement issued by CSC Jane Osuji, Service Public Relations Officer, the exercise, which also included the remittance of ₦2.569 million recovered as smuggled cash from inmates, was led by the Controller-General, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
The destroyed items, recovered over the past eight months through coordinated search operations, include Android phones, iPhones, basic mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers, and earpieces.
Nwakuche warned that any officer found aiding or ignoring the smuggling of prohibited items would face strict legal consequences, stressing that such actions violate the oath of service and undermine institutional integrity.
“Aiding or facilitating contraband smuggling is a direct breach of duty and will attract the full weight of the law,” he cautioned.
The Controller-General disclosed that 147 personnel have already been sanctioned for various levels of misconduct linked to contraband trafficking, reinforcing what he described as the Service’s zero-tolerance stance.
He also expressed concern over external collaborators, noting that some visitors and contractors attempt to smuggle prohibited items into custodial centres through concealment in food, clothing, and other personal effects.
“All offenders involved in smuggling activities, whether internal or external, will be prosecuted,” he said, adding that several suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for investigation and prosecution.
As part of strengthened enforcement measures, the NCoS has established a Special Crack Team to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted operations across custodial centres nationwide.
Nwakuche commended officers involved in the operations for their vigilance and professionalism, while reaffirming plans to deploy modern surveillance technologies and deepen inter-agency collaboration.
He stressed that the ongoing crackdown aligns with the Service’s core mandate of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration, warning that contraband undermines correctional objectives and fuels insecurity within custodial facilities.
The Service reiterated its commitment to security, accountability, and transparency, assuring the public of sustained reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s correctional system.
