The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has called for stronger community support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates, saying the involvement of families, traditional rulers and other stakeholders is essential to reducing reoffending and building safer communities.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, stated this while receiving two traditional rulers on separate courtesy visits to the Service’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
Nwakuche stressed that effective corrections extend beyond custodial walls, noting that community acceptance and support were necessary for offenders to successfully return to society.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCoS to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and other stakeholders in advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The CGC appreciated the royal fathers for their goodwill and continued support for the Service.
The visitors were His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr Haruna Tanko Jibrin, 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.
The traditional rulers commended the leadership of the NCoS and pledged their continued support for the Service.
They underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between host communities and custodial facilities in promoting peace, security and community development.
The royal fathers also urged communities to embrace reformed former inmates and support their reintegration rather than subject them to stigma and exclusion.
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