By Ibironke Ariyo
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied recent allegations that inmates across the country’s custodial centres are being poorly fed or dying from hunger.
In a statement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, dismissed the claims as false, misleading, and lacking in substance.
“These allegations do not reflect the true state of affairs within our facilities,” Umar stated. “They are sensationalized narratives that misrepresent the reality.”
Umar clarified that the Federal Government makes annual budgetary provisions specifically for feeding inmates, and these funds are carefully monitored and utilized according to established guidelines.
“Inmates are entitled to three meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—as outlined in our operational procedures,” he said, emphasizing that all custodial centres strictly adhere to these standards.
He further assured that the feeding system within the correctional system is supervised with transparency and accountability, ensuring that every inmate receives proper nutrition.
“There is absolutely no evidence suggesting that inmates are being starved or have died due to insufficient food,” Umar said. “Such claims are entirely unfounded.”
He stressed that welfare remains a central focus for the NCoS, and the agency continues to maintain the required standards for feeding and healthcare within its facilities.
Responding to the claim that journalists conducted interviews with inmates inside custodial centres, Umar questioned the credibility of such reports, citing strict security protocols in place.
“Access to our facilities is highly controlled. Journalists or any other visitors must obtain prior written approval and, in some cases, clearance from the Controller-General. Carrying mobile phones or cameras is also strictly prohibited,” he explained.
He dismissed the alleged inmate interviews as fabricated, noting that custodial centres are secure environments where unauthorized entry or media activity is not permitted.
Umar also highlighted the service’s internal monitoring framework, which ensures that resources allocated for inmate welfare, particularly food, are appropriately managed. Officers in charge are held to account through a multi-level oversight structure at both national and state levels.
“We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence and mismanagement,” he said. “Any officer found guilty of violating these standards faces disciplinary action in accordance with existing regulations.”
While acknowledging that the Service, like other government institutions, faces challenges due to broader economic pressures, Umar emphasized that these have not disrupted the feeding program for inmates.
He expressed concern that the spread of unverified information could incite unwarranted public alarm and damage the reputation of the correctional system.
“We are fully aware of the nation’s economic challenges, but those difficulties have not compromised our responsibility to feed inmates,” he stated. “We encourage media practitioners to confirm their information from credible sources before publication.
