President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres from urban to rural areas across Nigeria, according to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This decision aims to enhance security and reduce congestion in urban areas.¹
Tunji-Ojo made the announcement on Friday while unveiling new operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). He emphasized the federal government’s commitment to improving security and decongesting urban areas.
The relocation plan is part of the government’s efforts to reform the prison system and mitigate security risks associated with having correctional centres in urban areas. Some of the correctional centres slated for relocation include Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos, Ikoyi Prison in Lagos, and Kuje Prison in Abuja.
The Minister noted that the new locations will provide a more secure environment for both prisoners and surrounding communities. While the specific relocation sites have not been disclosed, the government plans to move the correctional centres to more suitable areas, prioritizing security and community safety.
