By Ibironke Ariyo
Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, the spokesman of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) retires after 35 years of service.
Speaking at his retirement dinner and book launch on Thursday in Abuja, Umar called for deeper professionalism and a renewed commitment to the values guiding the Service.
Umar stressed that the service had consistently promoted discipline, integrity, human engagement and intelligence-driven operations.
This, he said, were not abstract concepts but values that shape daily conduct, inmate relations, and public safety.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book titled “The Quintessential Correctional Officer” was co-authored by DCC Abubakar Umar and Bashiru Adamu.
Umar described the book as a timely contribution to ongoing reforms in the correctional system, adding that the event went far beyond the celebration of a book or a retirement.
He stressed that it was a moment for self-examination within the service saying that the book being launched digs deeper than the conventional understanding of correctional work.
“Today’s event is more than a routine book launch; it is a moment to pause, reflect, and renew our dedication to the ideals that define who we are as a service.
“It goes beyond describing the role of the correctional officer. This book questions assumptions, provides context, and elevates the very idea of correctional practice.
“The book illustrates that correctional officers were not only implementers of policy but intellectual contributors capable of shaping national conversations around rehabilitation.
“This work is a very promising example of how officers can expand knowledge and remain relevant even beyond active service,” he emphasised.
The retired SPRO noted that modern correctional institutions now operate in a demanding environment that cuts across custodial management, non-custodial supervision, security operations, rehabilitation, reintegration and community engagement.
“In such a complex environment, rules alone cannot guide us. What we need and what this book offers is a thoughtful philosophy that grounds our work in service, humanity and professionalism,” he said.
Speaking on his retirement, Umar said it was symbolic that he was leaving service while gifting a resource that would guide future generations.
“There is something profoundly symbolic about retiring from the service while leaving behind a book that will sharpen the culture of honour, loyalty and vision among officers.”
Umar urged officers and institutional partners to treat the publication not merely as a book, but as a training resource, a professional reference and a tool for self-evaluation.
In his remarks, the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche commended the authors for demonstrating that correctional officers were not only policy implementers but also intellectual contributors capable of shaping national conversations on rehabilitation, security and public service.
Nwakuche said that the event was not a routine book launch but a moment for reflection on the values, responsibilities and evolving expectations of correctional institutions in the country.
He said the book goes beyond explaining the functions of correctional officers to interrogating assumptions, providing deeper context, and elevating the philosophy of correctional practice.
He noted that the expanding demands on the Service, spanning custodial and non-custodial operations, security duties, rehabilitation, reintegration and community engagement required more than rules and procedures.
“What we need, and what this book offers, is a thoughtful philosophy that grounds our work in service, humanity and professionalism, “he said.
He reaffirmed that discipline, humane engagement, integrity and intelligence-driven operations remain the core values guiding the Service.
These values, he said, were clearly articulated in the book, which he described as a tool for reflection and professional growth in a rapidly changing world.
Speaking on Umar’s retirement, Nwankuche said the event was symbolic because the immediate past spokesman retired only a day earlier, yet chose to leave behind a legacy of knowledge.
“To exit the Service while gifting it a book that will guide future officers is a gesture of honour, loyalty and vision,” he said.
He congratulated Umar on a successful and distinguished career, wishing him fulfilment, good health and meaningful opportunities in retirement.
He stressed that the impact of his service would continue through the ideas documented in the publication.
