By Emeka Blast 
FG Takes Action Against Misconduct: 15 Correctional Officers Fired, 59 Demoted
The Federal Government has dismissed 15 personnel and demoted 59 others from the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in a major crackdown on misconduct and indiscipline, following a comprehensive review of 224 disciplinary cases. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), chaired by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Thursday, August 7, 2025, signaling a zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct within the nation’s correctional system. The purge, described as a bold step toward restoring integrity, has sparked mixed reactions amid ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s prisons.
According to a statement by NCoS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the disciplinary actions were based on recommendations from the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC) after thorough investigations adhering to due process. The offenses, though not detailed publicly, included serious breaches of service regulations, with one officer suspended and recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to the gravity of their misconduct. Additionally, eight personnel were compulsorily retired, and one officer had their rank reversed with orders to refund all earnings received while wrongly holding the position. Another 42 officers received written warning letters as corrective measures, while 16 were exonerated. Seven remain under suspension pending further investigation.
Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche emphasized fairness in the process, stating, “Disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with transparency and in strict compliance with extant rules.” He appealed for public support to strengthen the NCoS’s reform mandate, aiming to rebuild trust in a system long plagued by allegations of corruption and inefficiency. Dr. Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding high ethical and professional standards, noting, “This administration is determined to maintain integrity across all security agencies.”
The purge follows earlier actions in September 2024, when senior NCoS officers, including Deputy Controllers Michael Anugwa and Sikiru Adekunle in Lagos, were suspended over corruption allegations, such as receiving money on behalf of inmates. The latest measures align with broader reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has prioritized accountability in public institutions. However, the scale of the purge—impacting 231 officers—has raised concerns about systemic issues within the NCoS, with critics pointing to understaffing and poor working conditions as root causes of misconduct. A 2024 CBS News report highlighted similar staffing shortages in U.S. federal prisons, drawing parallels to Nigeria’s challenges.
Social media reactions on X reflected divided sentiments. @NaijaGist tweeted, “FG firing 15 and demoting 59 NCoS officers shows they’re serious about cleaning up. But is this enough? #PrisonReforms,” while @TruthSeekerNG questioned, “Sacking officers is good, but what about fixing the broken system? Low pay and bad conditions breed corruption.” Supporters, like @EagleEyeNG, praised the move, posting, “Kudos to Tunji-Ojo for this purge! Nigeria’s prisons need discipline to function. #NCoS.”
The dismissals come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, with recent reports exposing overcrowding, inmate abuse, and smuggling. The CDCFIB’s actions are seen as a response to these challenges, but analysts warn that sustained reforms, including better training and welfare for officers, are critical to preventing future misconduct. The public awaits further updates as investigations into the seven suspended officers continue.
