Nigeria’s Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied recent allegations claiming that over 26,000 children are currently held in custodial centers nationwide. The assertion, published by a national newspaper on June 2, 2025, has triggered widespread concern and sparked intense debate across the country.
According to the NCoS, the report is entirely baseless and grossly misrepresents the state of juvenile incarceration in Nigeria. Officials described the figures as highly exaggerated and lacking any verifiable evidence. The agency emphasized that disseminating such misinformation not only undermines public trust but also damages the integrity of the justice system.
Responding swiftly, the NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professionalism, transparency, and accountability in its operations. The correctional service highlighted its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing conditions within its facilities, particularly for minors and young offenders.
Over the past few years, Nigeria’s correctional system has seen significant changes, especially concerning the treatment and rehabilitation of juveniles. The NCoS has partnered with non-governmental organizations, human rights groups, and community-based organizations to implement rehabilitation programs that focus on education, vocational training, and psychological support for young inmates.
Beyond addressing the accuracy of the report, the controversy has reignited public discourse around the deeper social and economic challenges contributing to youth crime. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, lack of access to quality education, and social marginalization continue to play a central role in the lives of at-risk children across the country.
The correctional service underscored the need for collaborative efforts between government institutions, civil society, and the general public to address the root causes of juvenile offenses. It also stressed the importance of promoting a fact-based narrative that supports reform rather than sensationalism.
By encouraging a constructive approach focused on rehabilitation and reintegration, stakeholders can work toward building a more inclusive and just society—one where every child has the opportunity to thrive outside the confines of detention.