The Federal Government has suspended two personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) over their involvement in an attempt to procure an international passport for a convicted inmate.
This disciplinary action was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS and Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar.
Abubakar described the act as gross misconduct, uncovered through enhanced security checks embedded in the automated passport application system, a result of ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Immigration Service. The incident was detected through inter-agency collaboration within the Ministry of Interior.
He noted that the incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, was a clear violation of established protocols and could not be condoned.
Consequently, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), chaired by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, approved the immediate suspension of the two officers involved.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and corruption, emphasizing the Service’s commitment to maintaining professionalism, accountability, and transparency in all custodial operations nationwide.
He warned that any personnel found engaging in misconduct or sabotage would face strict sanctions and possible dismissal.