By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) have resolved to deepen intelligence sharing and joint security cooperation to strengthen the protection of custodial centres and advance Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The commitment was made in Abuja when the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Major General R.E. Hedima, led a delegation of the NAIC on a courtesy visit to the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, at the NCoS National Headquarters.
Receiving the delegation, Nwakuche described the visit as a demonstration of the enduring partnership between the two security institutions, stressing that the increasing complexity of contemporary security threats requires closer inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led responses.
He said, “Security is a shared national responsibility,” adding that the challenges confronting custodial centres had become increasingly complex and therefore required stronger collaboration, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated action among security agencies.
The Controller-General disclosed that the NCoS currently manages an inmate population of about 81,000, with approximately 65 per cent awaiting trial, while more than 4,000 inmates are on death row.
He said the figures underscored the enormous responsibility placed on correctional personnel in safeguarding custodial facilities across the country.
Nwakuche also paid tribute to officers and men of the Service who had made the ultimate sacrifice while defending custodial centres against attacks and containing security breaches.
He assured that the NCoS remained committed to protecting lives, securing custodial facilities and fulfilling its statutory mandate.
Beyond custodial security, the Controller-General highlighted the Service’s investment in inmate reformation and rehabilitation, including education, vocational skills acquisition, deradicalisation programmes for violent extremists and specialised interventions for juveniles in Borstal Training Institutions.
He described rehabilitation as an important component of national security, noting that successful reintegration of offenders could contribute to a safer society.
Earlier, Major General Hedima said the visit was aimed at consolidating the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and the NCoS while identifying practical ways to strengthen security collaboration.
Hedima commended the Correctional Service for its critical role in securing custodial centres and reforming offenders, acknowledging the dedication of correctional officers working under increasingly challenging security conditions.
He called for the institutionalisation of joint training programmes, designation of intelligence focal officers and prompt exchange of actionable and time-sensitive intelligence between the two institutions.
According to him, evolving security threats require security agencies to continuously adapt their strategies and operational architecture.
“Our adversaries are constantly evolving. Our response must equally evolve through stronger partnerships, better intelligence coordination and sustained collaboration among security agencies,” Hedima said.
Responding, Nwakuche welcomed the proposals, expressing optimism that enhanced cooperation between the two institutions would improve intelligence coordination, strengthen custodial security and contribute to Nigeria’s broader security architecture.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both institutions to deepen collaboration in the interest of national peace, public safety and the protection of Nigeria’s correctional system.
