NCoS destroys 1,167 phones, sanctions 147 officers in prison crackdown

The Nigerian Correctional Service has destroyed 1,167 mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country as part of a nationwide crackdown on contraband and internal corruption within the prison system.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the items were seized over the past eight months and included smartphones, SIM cards, chargers, and other unauthorised materials used to aid illegal communication from inside prison facilities.

He said the presence of such devices undermines prison security by enabling inmates to coordinate criminal activities outside custodial centres, describing the development as a serious threat to national security.

The destroyed items included a mix of Android phones, iPhones, and basic mobile devices, all of which were permanently disposed of to prevent further misuse.

The service also recovered N2.57 million in cash during the operations, which has been remitted to the government treasury in line with financial regulations.

Nwakuche confirmed that 147 correctional officers have been sanctioned for various levels of complicity in the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities, warning that internal sabotage would not be tolerated.

He added that several external collaborators have been arrested and handed over to the police and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution, with some already facing trial.

A special crack team has also been set up to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement across custodial centres nationwide.

The correctional boss warned staff, visitors, contractors, and families of inmates against attempts to smuggle prohibited items, stressing that offenders will face strict penalties.

He said the ongoing crackdown reflects efforts to restore discipline, strengthen internal controls, and reposition custodial centres for proper rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

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