- Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced key accomplishments at the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja
- Part of this was the release of 4,082 inmates from correctional facilities, reducing population by 5%
- The decongestion initiative saved the Nigerian government N1 billion in prison feeding costs
The Federal Government has released over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities as part of efforts to decongest the system, saving the government N1 billion in feeding costs.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Thursday, March 20 while speaking at the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
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.”
Tunji-Ojo explains release of inmates as part of decongestion efforts
Tunji-Ojo explained that the initiative aimed to identify inmates who had been incarcerated for minor offences, leading to their swift release.
He stated that this decongestion effort reduced the population of correctional centres by 5% last year.
In addition to the correctional facilities' efforts, the minister also highlighted significant strides made by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in tackling illegal refineries and oil dumps.
Tunji-Ojo reported that the squad destroyed over 2,125 such illegal operations across the country in 2024.
He further revealed that nearly 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products were seized, and over 700 suspects were arrested. The squad also secured 345 convictions, with 187 cases still pending in court.
“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,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Nigerian government to relocate 29 outdated correctional facilities
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Tinubu approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across Nigeria to modernise and improve facilities.
Suleja, Ikoyi, Agodi, and other correctional centres were earmarked for relocation due to urbanisation and decay.