The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to support the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into society. The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, made the call on Wednesday when he received two traditional rulers on separate courtesy visits to the Service’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
The royal fathers were the Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, and the Agwan Kajju II and Paramount Ruler of Kajju Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Antiokkarji Luka Kogi Yabuwat. Their visits underscored a shared commitment to strengthening community ties with custodial facilities.
Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for NCoS Reforms
Jibrin commended the NCoS boss for his leadership and efforts to strengthen the Service, pledging the continued support of the Kuje traditional institution. He stressed the need for sustained collaboration between host communities and custodial facilities to promote peace, security and community development.
On his part, Yabuwat, a retired Prison Officer, described his visit as a homecoming and said the responsibility of reforming offenders should not be left to the NCoS alone. He urged traditional rulers and communities to support former inmates after their release, saying acceptance and social inclusion were crucial to preventing stigma and helping them reintegrate successfully.
NCoS Reaffirms Commitment to 2019 Act Objectives
Responding, Nwakuche appreciated the traditional rulers for their support, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to working with traditional institutions and other stakeholders to advance the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. The Controller-General said effective corrections went beyond custodial walls, stressing that the involvement of families, communities and traditional leaders was essential to achieving lasting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and building safer communities.
The partnership reflects a broader strategy to engage community-based institutions in the correctional process, aiming to reduce re-offending and foster social harmony across Nigeria.
