Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, announced on Thursday that the Federal Government has released over 4,000 detainees from correctional facilities as part of decongestion measures, saving N1 billion in inmate feeding expenditures.
The minister disclosed this during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo noted that the campaign uncovered several detainees who were detained for petty fines, resulting in their quick release.
He said, “We decongested our correctional centres by five per cent last year,” Tunji-Ojo explained.
“Last year, just over 4,000 inmates were released in one day. All we did was conduct a detailed analysis and found that many inmates were there due to petty fines. This project allowed us to release over 4,082 inmates, saving the government N1bn a year in feeding costs.”
He also disclosed that in 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad dismantled more than 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps around the country.
Tunji-Ojo stated that almost 205 trucks transporting illegally refined petroleum products were seized, and over 700 people were arrested in connection with these criminal activities.
The team secured 345 convictions, with another 187 cases currently pending in court.
He said, “In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps.
“Close to 205 trucks conveying illegally refined petroleum products have been impounded while more than 700 suspects and accomplices have been arrested.
“Notably, the corps have secured over 345 convictions while about 187 cases are still ongoing in the law court.”
