NCoS, Traditional Rulers Deepen Partnership to Support Offender Reintegration
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified engagement with traditional institutions to promote the rehabilitation, acceptance and successful reintegration of former inmates into society, stressing that community support is critical to reducing recidivism and building safer communities.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, on September 11, 2026, following separate courtesy visits to the NCoS National Headquarters in Abuja by two prominent traditional rulers.
The royal visitors were His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Haruna Tanko Jibrin, MFR, MCC, the Gomo of Kuje, and His Royal Highness, Antiokkarji Luka Kogi Yabuwat, Agwan Kajju II and Paramount Ruler of the Kajju Traditional Council, Kajju Chiefdom.
Receiving the traditional rulers, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, reaffirmed the Service’s recognition of traditional institutions as important partners in achieving effective corrections and sustainable offender reintegration.
The Gomo of Kuje commended the Controller-General for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Correctional Service, pledging the continued support of the Kuje traditional institution.
He also stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between host communities and custodial facilities in promoting peace, security and community development.
In his remarks, Agwan Kajju II described his visit to the Service as a “homecoming”, recalling his years of service as a retired prison officer.
Drawing from his experience within the correctional system, the traditional ruler said the responsibility for reforming offenders should not be left solely to the Correctional Service.
He urged traditional institutions and communities to play a more active role in ensuring that reformed former inmates are accepted back into society.
According to him, traditional rulers occupy a unique position in promoting acceptance and social inclusion, making their involvement crucial to preventing stigma and exclusion against former inmates.
Responding, Nwakuche appreciated both royal fathers for their goodwill and continued support for the Service, assuring them of the NCoS’s commitment to deepening partnerships with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders.
The Controller-General said the collaboration would support the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, particularly in the areas of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Effective corrections extend beyond custodial walls,” Nwakuche stressed, noting that families, communities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders all have important roles to play in ensuring lasting rehabilitation.
He maintained that stronger community involvement would help reduce recidivism, facilitate the reintegration of former inmates and contribute to the development of safer and more cohesive communities across Nigeria.
The Controller-General further emphasised that successful reintegration requires an environment in which individuals who have undergone correctional programmes are given opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
The Service Public Relations Officer, JN Osuji, said the engagements reflected the NCoS’s continued commitment to building strategic partnerships with traditional institutions in support of its statutory mandate.
