You’ve probably heard about the deplorable state of Nigerian prisons and the harsh conditions inmates face, but how much do you really know about the Nigeria Prison Service itself? As an agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior, the NPS is responsible for the administration of prisons in Nigeria and the safe custody of inmates.

This overview will give you insight into the history, structure, types, challenges, and functions of the Nigeria Prison Service. You’ll gain a better understanding of this troubled system and why prison reform is so urgently needed.

History and Establishment of Nigeria Prison Service

Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) is a Nigerian government agency in charge of prison operations. The agency has its headquarters in Abuja and is overseen by the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Defence Immigration and Correctional Service.

The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) has a long and complex history that dates back to the colonial era. It was established in 1861, which was the year in Nigeria when a Western-style prison was conceptually built. The establishment of an official governing mechanism began with the designation of Lagos as a colony in 1861.

The colonial government’s priority at this point was to safeguard legitimate trade, ensure the profit of British merchants, and ensure the missionaries’ operations. To that purpose, by 1861, the acting governor of the Lagos colony, who was also a wealthy British trader in Lagos, had established a Police Force of about 25 constables. During the colonial era, prisons were established by the British administration to exert control and enforce the law. These prisons, which were often built with limited resources, have become a symbol of neglect and harsh conditions.

This was followed in 1863 by the establishment of four courts in Lagos: a police court to settle minor disputes, a criminal court to try more serious cases, a slave court to try cases arising from efforts to abolish the slave trade, and a commercial court to settle disputes among merchants and traders. The operation of these courts and police in that colonial setting necessitated the establishment of a prison to round out the system. And it didn’t take long because the Broad Street prison opened in 1872 with a capacity of 300 inmates. The Prison Regulation was published in 1917 to define procedures for admission, detention, treatment, and classification, as well as staffing, food, and clothing in prisons.

The Nigerian Prison Service was renamed The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), President Muhammadu Buhari changed the name on the 15th of August 2019 after signing the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

Despite its challenges, the NCoS has made notable progress in recent years. Efforts have been made to improve staff training and modernize prison facilities. Additionally, partnerships with non-governmental organizations and international bodies have contributed to initiatives focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Functions of the Nigeria Prison Service

The NPS has many important roles. Here are 10 of their main functions:

Holding detainees. The NPS is responsible for taking in and holding people accused or convicted of crimes.
Rehabilitating offenders. They aim to reform prisoners through counseling, education, and job training programs.
Ensuring the welfare of inmates. Making sure all detainees have shelter, food, medical care, and their basic needs met.
Maintaining security. Keeping prisoners confined, preventing disturbances, violence, escapes, and smuggling of contraband.
Supervising inmates. Closely monitoring prisoner behavior and activities. Issuing appropriate disciplinary action when needed.
Reintegrating ex-convicts into society. Helping released inmates transition back into regular life through rehabilitation and reentry programs.
Keeping records. Documenting the details of each inmate’s personal history, charges, sentencing, behavior, activities, and release.
Providing visitation. Allowing inmates to have supervised visits with family, friends, lawyers, and other approved individuals.
Transporting inmates. Safely moving prisoners between prisons to court, hospitals, or other locations as needed.
Releasing qualified inmates. Discharging prisoners who have served their full sentence, been granted parole, or meet release requirements.

The NPS works to uphold justice and protect citizens by carrying out these critical roles and functions in a humane, ethical manner.

What are the departments in Nigeria Prison Service?

The Nigerian Correctional Service is divided into two main areas, namely;

Custodial Service
Non-Custodial Service

Custodial Service

The Custodial Service is responsible for inmates and facilities. It manages inmate accommodation, feeding, healthcare, and rehabilitation programs. The service aims to reform inmates through counseling, education, and skills acquisition.

Non-Custodial Service

The Non-Custodial Service supervises paroles, pardons, and community service. It monitors inmates released on bail, parole, or pardon to ensure they meet the conditions of their release and stay out of trouble. The department also oversees community service, where selected inmates work on projects that benefit the public.

Types of Prisons In Nigeria

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) operates five main types of prisons, each serving a specific purpose within the criminal justice system. These prisons are designed to meet the diverse needs of inmates and ensure their proper custody, care, and rehabilitation.

Security Prisons

Security prisons are the most common type of jail in Nigeria. They are classified into three groups:

Maximum-Security Prisons: These facilities are highly fortified and equipped with advanced security measures to hold high-risk and dangerous offenders. Maximum-security prisons are intended for inmates who pose significant threats to society or have committed severe crimes. Gashua Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, and others are examples of such facilities.

The NPS ensures strict supervision and control to prevent escapes and maintain public safety.

Medium-Security Prisons: Medium-security prisons house inmates who have committed less severe offenses or have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration. Kuje Medium Prison, Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, and others are examples of such prisons.

These facilities strike a balance between security and rehabilitation, providing inmates with opportunities for education, skill development, and counseling. The aim is to prepare them for successful reintegration into society upon release.

Minimum-Security Prisons: Also known as open prisons, minimum-security facilities accommodate inmates who have displayed exceptional behavior and pose a minimal risk to society. These prisons prioritize the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, offering them more freedom and autonomy within the confines of the facility. Inmates may participate in work-release programs, vocational training, and community service to facilitate their transition back into society.

Juvenile/Minor Correctional Centers

The NCoS recognizes the unique needs of juvenile offenders and operates specialized correctional centers for young offenders. These centers prioritize education, counseling, and skill development to ensure the rehabilitation and reformation of juvenile inmates. The aim is to provide them with the necessary tools and support to become productive members of society.

Women Correctional Centers

The NCoS acknowledges the importance of gender-specific facilities for female offenders. Women correctional centers provide a safe and conducive environment for female inmates, addressing their specific needs and challenges. In Nigeria, there are just two prisons that are primarily for women, namely, Numan Old Prison and Kirikiri Women’s Prison.

These centers offer various rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and healthcare services tailored to female inmates, promoting their successful reintegration into society.

Military Prisons in Nigeria

In addition to the various types of prisons mentioned earlier, Nigeria also has military prisons that cater specifically to members of the armed forces who have been convicted of crimes. These prisons serve as correctional facilities for military personnel who have violated military laws or committed offenses while on duty.

Military prisons in Nigeria play a crucial role in maintaining discipline and upholding the standards of the armed forces. They are designed to ensure the security and rehabilitation of military inmates while addressing their unique needs and challenges. The Giwa Barracks Detention Facility in Borno State (Maiduguri) is an example of a military prison.

Inmates in military prisons are provided with opportunities for rehabilitation, education, and skill development to facilitate their reformation and successful reintegration into the armed forces or civilian life, depending on their circumstances.

The existence of military prisons reflects the commitment of the Nigerian military to upholding discipline, accountability, and justice within its ranks.

Psychiatric prisons

The NCoS also has specialized facilities known as psychiatric prisons. These prisons cater to individuals who have been found guilty of committing crimes but are also dealing with mental health issues that require specific attention and treatment.

The focus of psychiatric prisons is not only on punishment but also on providing adequate mental health care and support. Inmates receive comprehensive assessments by mental health professionals to develop personalized treatment plans that address their specific conditions. This approach aims to promote their recovery, reduce the risk of re-offending, and enhance their overall well-being.

Within psychiatric prisons, there is a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers. These professionals work collaboratively to provide holistic care, ensuring that inmates receive the necessary medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation programs to aid in their recovery and successful reintegration into society.

The Nigerian Correctional Service recognizes the significance of these different types of prisons in addressing the diverse needs of inmates and ensuring public safety. By providing appropriate custodial care, rehabilitation programs, and support, the NCoS aims to contribute to the overall well-being of inmates and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

Nigerian Correctional Service Ranks

The Nigerian Correctional Service has several ranks in its organizational structure, which are:

Controller-General of Prisons

Controller-General of Prisons – The highest rank, responsible for overseeing all prisons and staff. This rank was formerly known as the director of prisons until 1992, when it was renamed to Controller-General of Prisons.

Deputy Controller-General

The Deputy Controller-General (DCG) assists the Controller-General in managing the day-to-day operations of the NPS. There are currently six Deputy Controllers-General.

Assistant Controller-General of Prisons

The Assistant Controller-General of Prisons is the next position in the Nigerian Prison Service. They are in charge of the so-called ‘zones.’ Nigeria is organized into eight zones, which make up the entire organization.

Controller of Prisons

The Controller of Prisons is in charge of all prisons within a state. There are 36 states in Nigeria, as well as a Controller for the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

Prison Warden

The Prison Warden oversees the daily management of a single prison facility. Wardens report to the Controller of Prisons within their state. There are several wardens within each prison.

Other ranks in the Nigerian Correctional Service are:

Deputy Superintendent of Prisons
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons I
Assistant Superintendent of Prisons II
Senior Inspector of Prisons
Inspector of Prisons
Assistant Inspector of Prisons
Prisons Assistant I
Prisons Assistant II
Prisons Assistant III

The organizational ranks within the NPS ensure clear lines of authority and responsibility. Lower-ranking officials report to and take orders from higher-ranking officials. This hierarchy helps the NPS function efficiently in its mission to reform inmates and return them to society as law-abiding citizens.

Who is the head of the Nigerian Correctional Service?

The head of the Nigeria Prison Service is the Controller-General of Prisons. He is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Interior. The Controller-General is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Nigeria Prison Service. He is assisted in carrying out his duties by a Deputy Controller-General.

The Controller-General’s duties include:

Formulating policies and programs for the effective operation of the prison system.
Providing leadership and ensuring discipline among prison staff.
Ensuring the safe custody, health, welfare, and rehabilitation of inmates.
Liaising with the Judiciary and other relevant agencies on prison matters.
Preparing the budget for the Service and controlling expenditures.
Maintaining up-to-date records on inmates and staff.
Conducting regular inspections of prison facilities across the country.

The current Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service is Haliru Nababa; he was appointed in 2021. Under his leadership, the Service aims to transform prisons into correctional facilities focused on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. The goal is to make prisons places where people can acquire skills and turn their lives around to become useful citizens upon release.

List of all Prisons in Nigeria with their Location

There are 240 prisons in Nigeria, with an official capacity of about 50,000 people, which is its official capacity, yet many are overcrowded.

There are approximately 75,933 male convicts and approximately 1,751 female detainees. Here is a list of all the prisons across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Prisons In Abuja

Federal Prison, Dukpa Farm Center
Federal Prison, Kuje
Federal Prison, Suleja

Abia State Prisons

Federal Prison, Aba
Federal Prison, Arochukwu
Federal Prison, Umuahia

Adamawa State

Dumne Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Federal Prisions, Ganye
Gombi Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Gulak Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Guyuk Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Hong Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Federal Prisons, Jada
Federal Prisons, Jimeta
Karlami Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Kojoli Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Maina Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Mayobelwa Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Michika Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Federal Prison, Mubi
Federal Prison, Numan
Shelleng Satellite Prison, Adamawa
Federal Prison, Yola

Anambra

Federal Prison, Aguata
Federal Prison, Awka
Federal Maximum Security Prison, Nnewi
Federal Prison, Nnewi
Federal Prison, Onitsha

Akwa Ibom

Federal Prison, Abak
Federal Prison, Eket
Federal Prison, Ikot-Abasi
Federal Prison, Ikot-Ekpene
Federal Prison, Uyo

Bauchi

Alkaleri Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Federal Prison, Azare
Federal Prison, Bauchi
Burra Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Darazo Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Gamawa Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Katagun Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Federal Prison, Misau
Federal Maximum Security Prisons, Jama`are
Federal Prison, Ningi
Shira Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Tafawa Balewa Satellite Prison, Bauchi
Tora Satellite Prison, Bauchi

Bayelsa

Federal Prison, Okaka

Benue

Federal Prison, Gboko
Federal Maximum Security Prison, Makurdi
Federal Prison, Otukpo

Borno

Askira Satellite Prison, Borno
Federal Prison, Bama
Federal Prison, Biu
Damasak Satellite Prison, Borno
Gamboru-Ngala Satellite Prison, Borno
Federal Prison, Gwoza
Konduga Satellite Prison, Borno
Kukawa Satellite Prison, Borno
Kumshe Satellite Prison, Borno
Kwayakusar Satellite Prison, Borno
Maiduguri Farm Centre Prison
Maximum Security Prison, Maiduguri
Mongono Satellite Prison, Borno
New Maiduguri Prison
Shani Satellite Prison, Borno

Cross River

Federal Prison, Adim Farm
Federal Prison, Calabar
Federal Prison, Ikom
Federal Prison, Obubra
Federal Prison, Obudu
Federal Prison, Ogoja

Delta

Federal Prison, Agbor
Federal Prison, Kwale
Federal Prison, Ogwuashi-Uku
Federal Prison, Sapele
Federal Prison, Warri

Ebonyi

Federal Prison, Abakaliki
Federal Prison, Afikpo

Enugu

Federal Prison, Enugu
Federal Prison, Ibite-Olo Farm
Federal Prison, Nsukka
Federal Prison, Oji River

Edo

Federal Prison, Auchi
New Benin Prison, Edo State
Old Benin Prison, Edo State
Federal Prison, Ogba Farm
Federal Prison, Ozalla Farm
Federal Prison, Ubiaja

Ekiti

Federal Prison, Ado-Ekiti

Gombe

Bajoga Satellite Prison, Gombe
Billiri Satellite Prison, Gombe
Cham Satellite Prison, Gombe
Federal Prison, Gombe
Federal Prison, Tula

Imo

There are only 3 prisons in Imo state, namely;

Federal Prison, Okigwe
Federal Prison, Orreh Farm
Federal Prison, Owerri

Jigawa

Birnin Kudu Satellite Prison, Jigawa
Federal Prison, Birnin Kudu Farm
Dutse Satellite Prison, Jigawa
Garki-Satellite Prison, Jigawa
Federal Prison, Gumel
Gwaram Satellite Prison, Jigawa
Hadejia New Prison
Jahum Satellite Prison, Jigawa
Federal Prison, Kazaure
Kiyawa Satelite Prison, Jigawa
Ringim Satellite Prison, Jigawa

Kaduna

Federal Prison, Birnin Gwari
Federal Prison, Borstal
Gwantu Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Ikara Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Kachia Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Federal Prison, Kaduna
Federal Prison, Kafanchan
Kakuri Prison Camp
Federal Prison, Kujama Farm
Kwoi Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Makarfi Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Manchok Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Saminaka Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Soba Satellite Prison, Kaduna
Federal Prison, Zaria

Kano

Bichi Satellite Prison, Kano
Dawakin Tofa Satellite Prison, Kano
Federal Prison, Goron Dutse
Gwarzo New Satellite Prison, Kano
Kano Central Prison, Kano
Kiru Satellite Prison, Kano
Rano Satellite Prison, Kano
Sumaila Satellite Prison, Kano
Tudun Wada Satellite Prison, Kano
Federal Prison, Wudil

Katsina

Old Daura Prison, Katsina
Dutsinma Satellite Prison, Katsina
Ingawa Satellite Prison, Katsina
Jibia Satellite Prison, Katsina
Kankia Satellite Prison, Katsina
Federal Prison, Katsina
Malumfashi Satellite Prison, Katsina
Mani Satellite Prison, Katsina
New Maximum Security Prison, Daura
Maximum Security Prison, Funtua
Musawa Satellite Prison, Katsina

Kebbi

Federal Prison, Argungu
Bagundu Satellite Prison, Kebbi
Jega Satellite Prison, Kebbi
Kamba Satellite Prison, Kebbi
Kangiwa Satellite Prison, Kebbi
New Kebbi Prison
Old Kebbi Prison
Wara Satellite Prison, Kebbi
Federal Prison, Yelwa Yauri
Federal Prison, Zuru

Kogi

Federal Prison, Ankpa
Federal Prison, Dekina
Federal Prison, Idah
Federal Prison, Kabba
Federal Prison, Koton-Karfe
Federal Prison, Okene

Kwara

Federal Prison, Borstal
Federal Prison, Ilorin
Federal Prison, Mandala(New Ilorin)
Federal Prison, Lafiagi
Federal Maximum Security Prison, Omu-Aran

Lagos

There are only 5 prisons in Lagos state, namely;

Federal Prison, Badagry
Federal Prison, Ikoyi
Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri
Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri
Kirikiri Women’s Prison – the only all-women’s prison in Nigeria

Nasarawa

Federal Prison, Lafia
Maximum Security Prison, Keffi
Federal Prison, Nassarawa
Federal Prison, Keffi (Old)
Federal Prison, Wamba

Niger

Federal Prison, Agaie
Federal Prison, Bida
Federal Prison, Kagara
Federal Prison, Lapai
Federal Prison, Minna
Maximum Security Prison, Kotongora
Maximum Security Prison, Minna
Federal Prison, Bussa (New)

Ogun

Federal Prison, Abeokuta
Federal Prison, Ago-Iwoye FC
Federal Prison, Borstal
Federal Prison, Ijebu-Ode
Federal Prison, Ilaro
New Maximum Security Prison, Abeokuta
Federal Prison, Shagamu

Ondo

Federal Female Prison, Ondo State
Maximum Security Prison, Akure
Maximum Security Prison, Ondo
Federal Prison, Okitipupa
Federal Prison, Owo

Osun

Federal Prison, Ile-Ife
Federal Prison, Ilesa

Oyo

There are 3 prisons in Oyo state, namely;

Federal Prison, Agodi
Federal Prison, Ogbomoso Farm
Federal Prison, Oyo

Plateau

Federal Prison, Jos
Lakushi Farm Prison
Lamingo Prison Camp
Federal Prison, Langtang
Federal Prison, Pankshin
Federal Prison, Shedam
Federal Prison, Wase

Rivers

Federal Prison, Ahoada
Federal Prison, Degema
Elele Farm Prison
Federal Prison, Port-Harcourt

Sokoto

Federal Prison, Farm Centre – Bissalam
Gwadabawa Satellite Prison, Sokoto
Federal Prison, Sokoto
Tambuwal Satellite Prison, Sokoto
Wurno Satellite Prison, Sokoto

Taraba

Baissa Satellite Prison, Taraba
Bali Satellite Prison, Taraba
Gassol Satellite Prison, Taraba
Federal Prison, Gembu
Federal Prison, Jalingo
Karin – Lamido Satellite Prison, Taraba
Lau Satellite Prison, Taraba
M/Biyu Satellite Prison, Taraba
New Wukari Prison, Taraba
Federal Prison, Serti
Takum Satellite Prison, Taraba
Zing Satellite Prison, Taraba

Yobe

Damagun Satellite Prison, Yobe
Damaturu Satellite Prison, Yobe
Dapchi Satellite Prison, Yobe
Fika Satellite Prison, Yobe
Federal Prison, Gashua
Geidam Satellite Prison, Yobe
Maximum Security Prison, Potiskum
Federal Prison, Nguru

Zamfara

Gumi Satellite Prison, Zamfara
Maximum Security Prison, Gusau
Kaura Namoda Satellite Prison, Zamfara
Maru Satellite Prison, Zamfara
Talata Mafara Satellite Prison, Zamfara

Challenges Facing the Nigeria Prison Service

The Nigeria Prison Service faces several significant challenges in fulfilling its mandate.

Overcrowding

Nigerian prisons are severely overcrowded, with many holding 3-5 times their intended capacity. This strains resources and facilitates the spread of disease.

Underfunding

The NCoS is underfunded, lacking adequate facilities, staff, healthcare, and rehabilitation programs for inmates. Officers are poorly trained and paid.

Lengthy pre-trial detention

Nearly 70% of inmates are pre-trial detainees, some waiting years for trial due to a slow justice system, contributing to overcrowding.

Corruption

There have been reports of corruption, including officers accepting bribes and subjecting inmates to harsh treatment. Reform is needed to address these issues.

Lack of rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and reintegration programs are limited. Most inmates leave prison without skills or support to prevent re-offending.

Poor living conditions

Inmates live in cramped, unsanitary conditions with little access to necessities like food, healthcare, bedding, or sanitation facilities. This violates human rights standards.

Lack of public support

The public generally lacks sympathy for inmates and does not support improving prison conditions or rehabilitation. Changing attitudes through education and awareness is important.

Radicalization

Some prisons have become breeding grounds for radicalization due to extreme overcrowding and the mingling of inmates with varying offenses. Separating and properly rehabilitating at-risk inmates is key.

The NPS faces significant challenges, but with political will, funding, training, infrastructure, healthcare, education, vocational programs, and public support, conditions could be greatly improved. Protecting human rights and rehabilitating offenders benefits both inmates and society.

Nigerian Correctional Service Contact Information

NCoS Headquarters:

Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road Abuja.

Phone Number: +2347087086005

+2349060004598

+2348075050006

Email Address: info@corrections.gov.ng

complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nigerian Prison Service

Here are some of the most common questions about the Nigerian Correctional Service:

How long is a year in Nigeria prison?

A year in a Nigerian prison is 8 months. Prison sentences are carried out as ordered by the courts.

What is the name of the biggest prison in Nigeria?

The largest prison in Nigeria is the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State. It was established in 1955 and has a capacity of over 1,056 inmates.

Which is the first prison in Nigeria?

The first prison in Nigeria was Broad Street Prison, established in 1872.

How many prisons are there in Nigeria?

There are currently 240 prisons in Nigeria, including farm centers and borstal institutions (for young offenders). The NPS has a total capacity of about 50,000 inmates.

What programs are available for inmates?

The NPS offers rehabilitation and reform programs for inmates, including education, vocational training, counseling, and spiritual/religious programs. The goal is to reform and rehabilitate inmates to become productive members of society upon release.

Conclusion

So there you have it, an overview of the Nigeria Prison Service and its operations. Whether you’re a curious citizen, a criminal justice professional, or someone with a loved one currently serving time, understanding the inner workings of the prison system in your country is important. The NCoS certainly faces significant challenges in improving living conditions, reducing overcrowding, and rehabilitating offenders, but they seem committed to positive reforms and transparency. While life in a Nigerian prison is undoubtedly difficult, the goal of protecting public safety and reforming criminals is a noble one.

If we all work to strengthen respect for human rights, provide compassion for those who have made mistakes, and support a justice system focused on rehabilitation over retribution, the NCoS can better achieve this critical mission. Overall, Nigeria’s prison system is a complex topic but an important one, and hopefully, this overview has helped increase your knowledge and shape your perspective.