The Federal Government has announced a significant decline in the number of repeat offenders within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), attributing the improvement to ongoing rehabilitation and reform programmes across custodial centres.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Wednesday during the presentation of an investigative report on the correctional system, noting that recidivism has dropped sharply over the past three years.
According to the minister, the number of repeat offenders fell from 11,616 in 2023 to 3,156 in 2024, and further declined to 1,382 in 2025.
He described the trend as evidence that government reforms in the correctional system are beginning to yield measurable results.
“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,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister, however, stressed that the government considers the current figures insufficient and will only declare success when recidivism is reduced to zero.
“For us, not until recidivism gets to zero, we cannot say we have succeeded,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo also provided data on inmate movements within the correctional system, revealing that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody in May 2026 alone.
He further stated that 14,190 inmates were released within the same period under various legal conditions, reflecting ongoing turnover within custodial facilities.
The minister emphasized the need for sustained reforms and stricter implementation of recommendations contained in the investigative report.
“This report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are going to be very aggressive in terms of implementation,” he said.
He also announced plans to establish a monitoring and evaluation committee to ensure effective execution of reform measures across the correctional system.
Tunji-Ojo called for stronger collaboration with state governments, particularly on the relocation of correctional facilities located in urban areas, many of which he said are no longer suitable due to rapid city expansion.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, revealed that the investigative panel visited 86 custodial centres across 23 states during its assessment.
The report is expected to guide further reforms aimed at improving rehabilitation, reducing reoffending rates, and strengthening Nigeria’s correctional system.
