The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that a recent cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano has been contained, although two people died from the disease.
The outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigations on September 23, 2026, by the NCoS medical team at the facility in collaboration with Kano State public health authorities.
In a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who was immediately briefed, directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the lives, health and welfare of inmates and personnel.
Osuji said one of the two victims died at the custodial centre, while the other died at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.
“The Controller-General extends heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate loss of lives,” she said.
She noted that the incident was first detected on September 17, when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the centre’s medical facility.
“By the next morning, the medical team immediately activated emergency medical protocols while intensifying medical intervention and monitoring,” Osuji said.
She explained that the coordinated interventions successfully brought the outbreak under control, adding that no further deaths had been recorded since the diagnosis.
“The Service has initiated additional preventive measures, in collaboration with Kano State Government, as part of broader efforts aimed at preventing future occurrences,” Osuji stated.
The Service spokesperson said the NCoS had reassured the public that healthcare services remained available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel.
She added that continuous disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical response were being strengthened in collaboration with relevant public health authorities.
“The Controller-General has further directed a team of senior medical personnel from the Service National Headquarters to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring of the situation and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ensuring that all persons in custody are treated humanely, with their health, dignity and welfare protected in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards,” she said.
Osuji said the Service appreciated the concern expressed by members of the public and encouraged reliance on verified information disseminated through official channels as it continued to provide timely updates where necessary.
 has confirmed that the cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State has been brought under control.){kind=link}