The Yobe State Government has made a shocking revelation, confirming the operation of a syndicate involved in the sexual abuse and exploitation of inmates at the Potiskum Correctional Centre.
Security Council Briefs Press on Scandal
Brigadier General Abdulsalam Abubakar (retd), the Security Adviser to the Yobe State Governor, disclosed the findings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The announcement came immediately after a meeting of the State Security Council held in Damaturu.
This confirmation follows an earlier statement by the National Correctional Service. On December 2, the NCoS National Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, announced the suspension of some officers from the Potiskum Custodial Centre for alleged "unprofessional conduct with inmates."
Details of the Abuse and Network
Brig. Gen. Abubakar described the acts as a grave breach of trust, revealing a particularly distressing case where a female inmate was allegedly impregnated by members of the syndicate.
"If a warder can impregnate an inmate, it shows abuse of trust, negligence of duty and lack of proper supervision," Abubakar stated. He emphasized that with adequate oversight, a male prison warder should have no access to the female section of the facility.
The security aide indicated that the full scope of involvement is still being uncovered. "It is a network; not one person is involved. There are many other collaborators, including female warders," he added. Arrests are continuing as the investigation progresses.
Ongoing Actions and Yuletide Security
Abubakar expressed confidence that the NCoS headquarters' investigation would lead to justice. Anyone found culpable is expected to be handed over to the police for prosecution.
The Yobe State Government has formally engaged the management of the NCoS and the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the matter. Abubakar reiterated the government's primary duty to protect the lives and dignity of all citizens.
He partly blamed the scandal on personnel overstaying their posts and pledged the state's continued resistance to such acts, which he said are sometimes supported by highly placed individuals.
In a related development, the Yobe State Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ado, outlined security plans for the Christmas season. He announced a massive deployment of police personnel to worship centers and recreational areas.
Commissioner Ado stated that identified security gaps from earlier assessments have been addressed. He urged Christian faithful to celebrate without fear, assuring them of dominant police presence, including plain-clothes officers, to thwart any threats to peace.
