Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria has released 4,550 inmates from Nigerian correctional facilities, reducing the total population from over 86,000 to approximately 81,450, as part of efforts to decongest custodial centres nationwide.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this during a meeting with Chinedu Ogah, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, in Abuja on T July 24, 2025.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the releases followed a review targeting inmates held for minor, bailable offences or those facing prolonged detention.
“This aligns our correctional practices with global standards,” he said, emphasizing the government’s duty to treat inmates with dignity.
“Our strength lies in how we treat the most vulnerable, whose freedoms are lawfully restricted,” he added.
Ozoya Imohimi, the Ministry’s Director of Press, stated that the initiative reflects ongoing reforms in the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tunji-Ojo pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly to enhance institutional efficiency and inclusion.
Ogah praised the reforms, noting their alignment with Tinubu’s vision for national development.
He assured robust legislative oversight to ensure the success of the decongestion efforts and a humane correctional system.
