ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigerian Correctional Service has denied allegations that its officers stole valuables belonging to inmates during a routine search operation at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, Abuja.

The Service described the reports as false, misleading and inconsistent with established custodial procedures, insisting that the operation was conducted professionally and in line with Standard Operating Procedures.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the NCoS said the exercise was a routine security search aimed at maintaining order, discipline and security within the facility, adding that all recovered prohibited items were duly processed and documented.

It also dismissed claims that inmates were robbed of valuables reportedly worth over N120m, saying the allegations were not supported by official records.

“The Service wishes to categorically state that the allegation is false, misleading, and inconsistent with the operational realities and established procedures governing custodial facilities in the country,” the statement said.

According to the NCoS, inmates are not permitted to keep unauthorised items or large sums of money in custody, noting that all personal belongings declared at the point of admission are documented and safely kept until lawful release.

It further stated that records from the custodial centre did not show that any of the items mentioned in the reports were declared by inmates, nor were such items found or recorded during the search operation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, what took place at the Custodial Centre in Kuje was a routine security search carried out within the facility, and all recovered prohibited items were duly processed and documented. The exercise was conducted professionally and in line with extant Standard Operating Procedures aimed at maintaining security, order, discipline and the integrity of custodial operations.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service operates under clearly defined regulations which prohibit inmates from keeping personal unauthorised items and large sums of money while in custody,” the statement said.

The Service also said no complaint of theft or loss had been filed through any official channel by inmates or any other persons within the facility.

“The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, is calm, peaceful and secure,” the statement added.

The response comes amid a report by SaharaReporters alleging that some high-profile inmates were affected during the search operation at the facility.

According to the report, former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni, was allegedly robbed of a wedding ring and wristwatch valued at over N120m during the operation.

The report also claimed that suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, lost about N2m.

It further alleged that the operation was carried out by senior correctional officers accompanied by operatives and DSS dogs, causing panic within the facility, and that valuables were confiscated without proper documentation.

However, the NCoS dismissed the claims in their entirety, maintaining that the search was lawful and that no evidence supports the allegations.

The Service urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels before publication, warning against the spread of unverified claims capable of undermining confidence in public institutions.

The NCoS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening security and accountability across custodial centres nationwide.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 31 kidnap victims, neutralised five terrorists, and dismantled several terrorist camps in a series of coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina states.

In Zamfara State, troops rescued 31 kidnap victims around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka LGA.

The kidnap victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma and a follow-on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the rescued individuals, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum, and Anka LGAs across Zamfara and Sokoto states.

“The victims were provided medical support and will be reunited with their respective families,” he said.

In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops made contact with terrorists in Maradun and the Gidan Dan Jaja axis, where troops neutralised two terrorists and destroyed identified terrorist camps.

“Troops also recovered several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles used by the criminals,” the statement read in part.

In Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists who were on transit for an imminent attack at the Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA.

“Following a fierce firefight, troops neutralised three terrorists and recovered motorcycles and some quantities of ammunition. One of the terrorists neutralised was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani. Rifles and motorcycles were recovered from the two encounters,” the statement read.

Osoba said Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the North West region.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has pushed for a new national minimum wage of ₦100,000.

The position of the Governors was made known on Friday by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

He said the Governors endorsed the proposed figure as they recognized the need to improve workers’ welfare amid rising living costs..

According to him, the state governments are actively engaging with the federal government and labour unions to reach a sustainable agreement.

The call is expected to shape ongoing negotiations on wages, inflation and broader economic measures.

AbdulRahman added that the Governors also endorsed the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statutory national minimum wage is currently officially set at ₦70,000 per month under the National Minimum Wage Act and approved by President Tinubu.

However, some state governments like Lagos, Rivers, and Imo are paying higher than the ₦70,000 standard.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal Government to urgently review workers’ salaries in the new year, citing escalating inflation and worsening hardship across the country.

In his New Year address to workers, the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, said workers’ earnings must reflect a living wage and not merely support survival.

“Given the escalating inflation and suffering, we demand an urgent wage review as a worker’s income must guarantee life, not mere survival, in furtherance of Mr President’s promise to pay living wages. We shall pursue this with every legitimate means at our disposal,” Ajaero said.

The labour leader acknowledged that 2025 was a particularly difficult year for Nigerian workers, marked by economic strain and deepening vulnerabilities.