NCoS, Traditional Rulers Strengthen Partnership on Offender Reintegration
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has reaffirmed the importance of traditional institutions in the reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into society.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, stated this on Wednesday while receiving two traditional rulers who paid separate courtesy visits to the Service’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
The royal visitors were the Gomo of Kuje, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, MFR, MCC, and the Agwan Kajju II and Paramount Ruler of the Kajju Traditional Council, Kajju Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Antiokkarji Luka Kogi Yabuwat.
The Gomo of Kuje commended the Controller-General for his leadership and efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He pledged the continued support of the Kuje traditional institution, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between host communities and custodial facilities to promote peace, security and community development.
Similarly, the Agwan Kajju II described his visit as a homecoming, recalling his years of service as a retired prison officer.
Drawing from his experience in the correctional system, he said the responsibility for reforming offenders should not be left to the Correctional Service alone.
He emphasised the strategic role of traditional rulers in promoting acceptance and social inclusion, urging communities to welcome reformed former inmates and support their reintegration rather than subjecting them to stigma and exclusion.
Responding, the Controller-General appreciated the two traditional rulers for their goodwill and continued support for the Service.
He reaffirmed the NCoS’ commitment to deepening partnerships with traditional institutions and other stakeholders towards achieving the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
Nwakuche stressed that effective correctional services extend beyond custodial facilities, noting that the active participation of families, communities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders is critical to achieving lasting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and building safer communities across Nigeria.
The Service Public Relations Officer, JN Osuji, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, disclosed this in a statement issued on September 11, 2026.
