The Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS has destroyed 1,167 confiscated mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country.
The exercise which was presided over by the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ndidi Nwakuche marked a decisive escalation in the Service’s ongoing nationwide crackdown on contraband and a firm commitment to strengthening security, discipline, and institutional integrity within correctional facilities.
A statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service noted that “the destroyed items were recovered over the past eight months through coordinated search operations.”
Seized items included; mobile phones, SIM cards, earpiece, chargers, and other unauthorised materials.
“The operations were conducted in strict compliance with extant laws and operational guidelines,” the statement quoted Nwakuche as s stated.
Addressing officers, stakeholders and the media, the Controller-General described the exercise as “a clear statement of resolve” to eliminate all threats to the safety and order of custodial centres.
“A total of 1,167 mobile phones, comprising Android devices, iPhones, and button phones, alongside other prohibited items are being destroyed today.
“In addition, the sum of ₦2,569,000, recovered as smuggled cash from inmates, has been remitted to the appropriate government treasury in line with extant financial regulations. These recoveries underscore both the scale of the challenge and the seriousness of our response,” Nwakuche stated.
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Reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, the Controller-General warned that “any officer who aids, ignores, or facilitates the smuggling of prohibited items is in direct violation of their oath and a threat to the integrity of this Service.
“Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.”
Nwakuche further disclosed that 147 personnel have already been sanctioned for various acts of misconduct related to contraband trafficking.
“Let me be unequivocal: anyone involved in smuggling contraband into our custodial centres, whether as a visitor, contractor, or collaborator, will face severe consequences. These are not minor infractions but deliberate acts that undermine national security and the administration of justice,” he said.
As part of strengthened enforcement measures, the Service has established a dedicated Special Crack Team to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted operations nationwide.
The Controller-General commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and vigilance.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deploying modern surveillance technologies, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and sustaining reforms aimed at restoring order within custodial centres.
