By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has strongly refuted online reports alleging that inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, were robbed of valuables worth over ₦120 million during a routine search operation within the facility.

In an official statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, the Service described the allegation as “false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country.”

According to the statement, what transpired at the Kuje custodial centre was a standard security search aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and the integrity of custodial operations.

“The exercise was conducted professionally and in line with extant Standard Operating Procedures,” the statement noted, adding that all prohibited items recovered during the operation were duly processed and documented.

The NCoS further explained that inmates are prohibited from keeping unauthorized items or large sums of money while in custody.

It stressed that all valuables declared by inmates upon admission are officially documented and securely kept until discharge or lawful release.

The Service stated that available records at the Kuje facility do not show that the alleged valuables were declared by any inmate at the point of admission, nor were such items found or recorded during the search exercise.

“Consequently, there is no official record supporting the allegation that the said valuables were in the custody of any inmate within the facility,” the statement said.

The correctional authorities also emphasized that the items referenced in the reports qualify as prohibited contraband within custodial centres, making their possession a violation of established custodial regulations.

The NCoS disclosed that no formal or informal complaint regarding theft or loss of valuables had been lodged by any inmate or individual connected to the facility through the Service’s official complaint channels.

Reassuring the public, the Service stated that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, remains “calm, peaceful, and secure.”

The agency urged media organisations and the public to avoid spreading sensational and unverified claims capable of undermining public confidence in national institutions.

“Media correspondents are encouraged to seek clarification through appropriate official channels in the interest of fairness, accuracy, and responsible journalism,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Correctional Service reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring inmate welfare, and sustaining ongoing reforms and security measures introduced by the Controller General of Corrections to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and accountability across custodial centres nationwide.