The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has destroyed 1,167 confiscated mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country, as part of intensified efforts to curb contraband smuggling within correctional facilities.
The exercise was led by the Controller-General of the Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who described the action as a decisive step in strengthening security, discipline, and institutional integrity nationwide.
According to the NCoS, the items destroyed were recovered over the past eight months during coordinated search operations conducted in line with established laws and operational guidelines.
The confiscated materials included mobile phones, SIM cards, chargers, earpieces, and other unauthorized items.
Addressing officers, stakeholders, and the media, the Controller-General said the destruction exercise sends a strong signal of the Service’s resolve to eliminate threats to order within custodial centres.
He further disclosed that ₦2.57 million recovered as smuggled cash from inmates has been remitted to government coffers in compliance with financial regulations.
Nwakuche reaffirmed the Service’s zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, warning that any officer found aiding or facilitating the smuggling of contraband would face legal consequences.
The NCoS also revealed that 147 personnel have been sanctioned for misconduct related to contraband trafficking, highlighting ongoing internal disciplinary measures aimed at ensuring accountability.
The Controller-General noted that some external collaborators attempt to smuggle prohibited items into facilities through concealment in food, clothing, and other means. He warned that such actions would attract severe penalties, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.
He added that several suspects have already been apprehended and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
As part of enhanced enforcement strategies, the Service has established a Special Crack Team to boost intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted operations across the country.
Nwakuche commended officers involved in the operations for their vigilance and professionalism, reiterating the Service’s commitment to deploying modern surveillance technologies, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and sustaining reforms.
He emphasised that the crackdown aligns with the core mandate of corrections reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration warning that the presence of contraband undermines these objectives and fuels insecurity within custodial centres.
The NCoS assured the public of its continued commitment to upholding high standards of security, accountability, and transparency in safeguarding national security.
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