NCoS Begins Operations at Olojuoro-Olomi Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Admits 80 Inmates
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced operations at the newly completed Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Olojuoro-Olomi, in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the admission of 80 convicted male inmates.
The operationalisation of the facility followed the approval of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and a subsequent directive by the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, for the transfer of selected convicted inmates from designated custodial centres to the new facility.
According to the Service, the transfer is being undertaken ahead of the formal commissioning and full operational deployment of the centre.
The commencement of operations adds significantly to Nigeria’s custodial infrastructure and is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand custodial capacity, reduce congestion and provide safer, more secure and humane conditions for persons committed to the custody of the Service by competent courts.
The Olojuoro-Olomi facility currently has a capacity for 800 inmates, with significant room for expansion. Upon completion and activation of additional sections, its capacity is expected to increase to 3,000 inmates.
The planned additional sections will include facilities for awaiting-trial persons, female inmates and inmates on death row.
The centre is equipped with key infrastructure to support modern custodial administration and correctional management. These include custodial cells and beddings, a modern gate lodge, perimeter fencing, a kitchen, medical facilities, administrative offices, staff accommodation and recreational facilities.
The NCoS said the infrastructure is designed not only to enhance security but also to improve the welfare of inmates and personnel and facilitate the effective implementation of its mandate of humane custody, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Strategically located in the South-West, the facility is expected to strengthen the distribution and management of inmates within the region while providing additional capacity to ease pressure on existing custodial centres, particularly in neighbouring Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states.
The Service explained that the phased activation of the facility would enable it to progressively deploy the centre’s full capacity in line with operational requirements and the completion of the remaining sections.
The NCoS further emphasised that modern custodial infrastructure goes beyond the provision of physical structures, describing it as part of a broader correctional reform agenda focused on secure custody, humane treatment, rehabilitation, skills development and the eventual reintegration of inmates into society.
The operationalisation of the Olojuoro-Olomi Maximum Security Custodial Centre, according to the Service, therefore represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure and another step towards strengthening public safety and improving custodial conditions.
The statement was signed by JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer.
