Fewer ex-convicts are returning to prison as reforms show results — FG

‎The Federal Government says the number of repeat offenders within the Nigerian Correctional Service has dropped significantly from 11,616 in 2023 to 1,382 in 2025, attributing the development to ongoing rehabilitation and reformation programmes.

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‎Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of an investigative report on the NCoS, describing the trend as evidence that reforms in the correctional system were yielding results.

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‎“Recidivism was 11,616 when we came in in 2023 in 2024 it dropped to 3,156 but in 2025 it came down to 1,382 recidivists. It means that our reformation programmes are bearing fruits. The point is that we are no longer where we were. We are making progress,” the minister said.

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‎He added that the government would not declare success until the figure is reduced to zero.

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‎“For us, not until recidivism gets to zero, we cannot say we have succeeded,” Tunji-Ojo said.

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‎The minister also disclosed that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody in May 2026 alone, while 14,190 were released within the same period under various legal conditions.

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‎“Let me add that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody in May 2026 alone, while 14,190 were released under various terms of imprisonment during the same period, ” he said.

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‎He stressed the need for continued reforms and stronger implementation of recommendations contained in the investigative report.

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‎“This report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are going to be very aggressive in terms of implementation,” he said, adding that a monitoring and evaluation committee would be set up.

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‎Tunji-Ojo also called for collaboration with state governments on the relocation of correctional facilities, noting that many of them were no longer fit for purpose due to urban expansion.

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‎Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, said the investigative panel visited 86 custodial centres across 23 states during its assignment.

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