By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres from urban areas across the country, fulfilling a commitment made by the Federal Government last year.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the approval on Friday during the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In June 2024, Tunji-Ojo had disclosed the government’s plan to relocate correctional centres due to the security risks posed by their presence in densely populated urban locations.
Facilities in Ikoyi, Apapa, Agodi, Enugu, and Suleja were identified among those slated for relocation.
At the time, the minister warned that prisons located near residential and commercial areas heightened security threats.
He specifically highlighted that a jailbreak in Ikoyi could have severe consequences for Lagos and damage Nigeria’s international reputation.
Following a comprehensive audit of the country’s 256 correctional centres, the government determined that at least 29 facilities required urgent relocation.
More details to follow soon…
