The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two of its officers following the discovery that a convicted inmate attempted to obtain an international passport while still in custody.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
According to Umar, the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.
“The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.
“This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation.
“The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures, ” he said.
The NCoS spokesman quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to discipline, transparency and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.
According to him, the Service is committed to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.
“The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.
