The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCO) has rubbed reports claiming that detained prisoners have suffered poor feeding, abuse and starvation.
this NCOIn denying the claim, the federal government said that adequate funds were provided for prisoners and that the services ensured that funds were used wisely so that three meals were properly fed per day.
Naija News Report to the NCO Public Relations Officer, Aboubacar UmarClarification was made in an interview with the Nigeria News Agency of Abuja.
He said reports of prisoners dying of hunger in NCO’s detention were “misleading, sensational and seriously inaccurate”.
Umar said prisoners enjoy three meals a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner, as specified in the service’s operating guidelines.
“The federal government specializes in funding prisoners and strictly monitors the process to ensure compliance with established standards.
“The allegations of accusing prisoners of death from hunger are unfounded. There is no record in any of our custody centers that the prisoners are starving or dying due to insufficient feeding.
“It is totally wrong to suggest that prisoners are going to starve or starve to cause death within our facilities.
“We want to assure the public that prisoners are properly fed and that their welfare remains the top priority of correctional services in Nigeria,” he said. He said.
A service spokesperson also condemned the report’s claim that journalists interviewed prisoners in custody facilities in light of strict security measures and restrictions on access to the correctional center.
Umar said the conditions for entering the correctional center are subject to strict regulations requiring written application, approval by the person in charge, in some cases from the President’s pass through.
“I wonder how journalists claim to interview inmates in custody facilities. These are high safety areas and you can’t just walk in, let alone carry recording equipment.
“Even due to the risk of hidden records, cameras and phones are even prohibited. He added.
Umar stressed that prisoners’ welfare remains a top priority, adding that to ensure that prisoners and other welfare issues are well cared for, the NCO maintains a monitoring system at the national and state levels to ensure that approved standards are maintained.
“We maintain a strong accountability system. “He added.
In acknowledging that the service faces operational challenges like many other public institutions, Umar insists that such challenges do not harm the inmates’ feeding arrangements.
Umar said fabricated reports could cause unnecessary public anxiety and undermine the image of the service.
“We have not overlooked economic reality and general limitations, but these have not translated in any way into deaths related to hunger or hunger in our facilities.
“We urge media organizations to always seek clarification from reliable sources. Journalism is a noble profession that thrives in accuracy and responsibility. Posting unproven and sensational stories can undermine public trust.”
“We hope the media seeks clarification before rushing to release sensitive stories that may mislead the public, He said.
The service spokesperson also praised President Tinubu Ball Minister of the Interior Lost gifts, In promoting reform of the Nigerian correctional system.
“When this government came in, they looked at the inmate feeding issue and increased the allocation by 50%. This is the first step to improving the welfare of our detainees and requires further review.
“We have a minister who is enthusiastic and working all day. A team has been formed to further review the feeding of prisoners and I believe positive changes are coming,” He said.
We run an open policy
Instead of working on the basis of the rumors, Umar advises the public, including media organizations, to see themselves as stakeholders, visit the custodian centers, and independently verify the prisoner’s retention conditions.
“Our facilities open to oversight visits from relevant stakeholders. We operate transparently and welcome constructive participation aimed at improving operations.
“We are committed to humane and dignified treatment of all people we custody. Our mission goes beyond incarceration. It includes reform and rehabilitation of prisoners to ensure they are reintegrated with better individuals.
“We urge the public,” he added.
