The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has stated that 53,473 inmates are awaiting trial in custodial centres across the country are on death row.
In a document released on Monday during the national joint security press briefing at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Abuja, the NCoS said as of July 24, the total inmate population stood at 81,558, comprising 79,615 males and 1,943 females.
NCoS said 24,252 are convicted inmates, while 3,833 are on death row.
The service also supervises 476 non-custodial offenders and has recorded 3,026 new admissions and 3,347 discharges during the review period.
NCoS said to enhance identity management and security within custodial centres, over
60,000 inmates have been enrolled on the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
“In line with the expansion of non-custodial measures, the Service now supervises more than 6,000 offenders under community service, probation, restorative justice, and related regimes,” the document reads.
“Justice delivery continues to benefit from the service’s collaboration with state chief judges to facilitate jail delivery exercises. Additionally, the NCoS has actively participated in prerogative of mercy committees across several states, offering technical guidance on clemency and pardon processes.”
The NCoS said over 15,000 inmates are currently training in trades such as carpentry, metal work, hairdressing, agricultural production, and the manufacture of household goods.
The service noted that more than 1,000 inmates have been enrolled for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) administered by NECO and WAEC, while over 800 inmates are pursuing diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies through the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) study centres within custodial facilities.
“At the Borstal Training Institutions nationwide, more than 1,500 juvenile delinquents have undergone structured rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration processes,” the document reads.
“The Service has consistently ensured that Awaiting Trial Persons and those on appeal are conveyed to court as required. Recapture efforts have also yielded success, with some fleeing inmates and fugitives rearrested through collaboration with communities and security partners.”
The NCoS added that it remains committed to secure custody, transformative rehabilitation, and national security cooperation.
