The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has opened for operations the newly completed Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Olojuoro-Olomi, Ibadan, Oyo State, with the admission of 80 convicted male inmates into the facility.

The operationalisation of the Centre follows the approval of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the subsequent directive of the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, for the transfer of selected convicted inmates from designated custodial centres to the new facility.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Jane Osuji, the new Centre would accommodate the inmates pending its formal commissioning and full operational deployment.

Osuji said in a statement that the commencement of operations marks a significant addition to the custodial infrastructure of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

She added that the development represents another important step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand custodial capacity, address congestion and provide a safer, more secure and humane environment for inmates.

“The Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Olojuoro-Olomi, currently has a capacity to accommodate 800 inmates,” she said.

“However, the facility has been designed with significant expansion potential, with its capacity expected to rise to up to 3,000 inmates upon completion and activation of additional sections, including cells for awaiting-trial persons, female inmates and inmates on death row.

“The Centre is equipped with critical infrastructure designed to support modern custodial administration and effective correctional management.

“These include adequate custodial cells and beddings, a modern gate lodge and perimeter fencing for enhanced security, a modern kitchen, medical facilities, administrative offices, staff accommodation and recreational facilities, among other essential infrastructure.

“The provision of these facilities is intended to enhance the security and welfare of inmates and personnel while creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the Service’s mandate of humane custody, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration”, the Public Relations Officer said.

She noted that the Olojuoro-Olomi facility is expected to strengthen the distribution and management of inmates within the south west region and provide additional capacity to ease pressure on existing custodial centres, particularly in neighbouring Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States.

“The phased activation of the Centre will also enable the Service to progressively deploy its full capacity in line with operational requirements and the completion of the remaining sections of the facility”, Osuji further stated. (The Nation)

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