WITHOUT PRISON, YOU CANNOT SLEEP WITH TWO EYES CLOSED

 

In Nigeria, prisons also known as custodial or correctional centres, are often viewed with a mix of apprehension and disdain, conjuring images of high perimeter walls, observation towers, and dare-devil armed personnel manning them. Many are oblivious of the fact that these often-underappreciated facilities are actually responsible for their ability to have a tranquil night rest. The idea of sleeping with two eyes closed signifies a state of peace, security, and trust in the system that protects us. Without custodial facilities, this assurance becomes nearly impossible, as they play a pivotal role in upholding law and order in every human society.

It is a given that prisons serve as a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, providing a mechanism to accommodate, rehabilitate, and reform persons who violate societal norms and laws. By isolating criminals from the rest of the population and putting them into custody, prisons reduce immediate threats that such criminal elements can pose, and also ensure that law-abiding citizens live without fear. For instance, in 2021 after the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Owerri, Imo State, was attacked by gunmen and about 1800 inmates freed illegally into the society, the rate and prevalence of crime and criminality spiked. In fact, there were reports of fugitives threatening, attacking and even killing law-abiding members of the society. Residents of the town as a whole found sleeping at night a mirage during this time.

Secondly, prisons being a total institution, provide the enabling environment where offenders can reflect on their actions and inactions to gain insight, undergo reformation and rehabilitation programmes, and prepare for reintegration. Treatment initiatives in custodial facilities are targeted at unravelling the causes of inmates’ antisocial behaviours, providing them psychosocial support for effective rehabilitation, empowering them with skills for effective reformation, and supporting them during reentry. All these are aimed at enabling Nigerians to sleep with two eyes closed.

Prisons or custodial centres serve as deterrents to potential criminals. Only knowing that one would be imprisoned would sends jitters and cause them to refrain. Therefore, knowing that there are consequences for criminal actions discourages many from engaging in activities that would harm others or disrupt societal harmony. This fear of imprisonment helps maintain public safety and order, as individuals are more likely to think twice before committing crimes when they understand the penalties involved. The absence of such a deterrent mechanism would embolden criminals, leading to increased lawlessness and insecurity. There is no doubt that societies without prisons would struggle to maintain control, while the notion of justice would lose its meaning. There is no gainsaying that this deterrence function of the prison has promoted sound sleep among Nigerians.

Another fundamental functions of prisons is to protect the vulnerable and the weak such as children, elderly etc. from the vicious activities of criminals. Crimes such as robbery, assault, and fraud disproportionately affect those who are least equipped to defend themselves. Therefore, in order to protect such vulnerable segment of the society, prisons or custodial centres help to remove such criminals from the general population, safeguarding potential victims and creating a safer environment for everyone in the community.

Additionally, while retribution is a primary function of prisons, their role in rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of offenders cannot be ignored. Modern correctional systems aim to rehabilitate and reform offenders by addressing the root causes of their criminal behavior, such as lack of education, drugs and substance abuse, family disorganization, peer influence or psychological issues. Edifying programmes within prisons often include vocational training, counseling, and educational opportunities to help inmates become productive members of society. A society without prisons would lack the infrastructure to provide such interventions. Offenders might continue to spiral deeper into criminality, unable to break free from the cycles that led them there. By offering a structured environment for rehabilitation and reformation, prisons contribute to reducing recidivism and fostering a sense of hope for those willing to change.

Besides, imagining a world without prisons reveals the chaos that would ensue. Without a system to detain and manage offenders, counterproductive alternative methods might emerge, leading to widespread injustice and human rights abuses. Individuals and communities might take the law into their own hands, resulting in mob justice, wrongful accusations, and an erosion of the rule of law. Also, the absence of prisons would undermine trust in the criminal justice system, as citizens rely on the government to protect them from harm and ensure that criminals face the music. Without this assurance, public confidence would wane, and societal cohesion would weaken, leaving no one to have a sound night sleep.

Furthermore, commercial and economic activities would suffer in a prison-less society. It is true that commercial and economic activities thrive in stable conditions where their assets and interests are protected and promoted. Without prison facilities to enforce public safety and order, economic growth and development would be unachievable in such society, while unemployment and poverty would rise, further exacerbating crime and murdering sleep.

In conclusion, prisons are essential not only for reforming offenders but also for protecting communities, rehabilitating individuals, and maintaining societal law and order. They provide the assurance that those who break the law are held accountable, allowing citizens to sleep with two eyes closed, confident in their safety. However, to fully realize the potential of prisons, governments and stakeholders must address the challenges facing the system. Without the prison institution, the darkness of unchecked crime would overshadow the hope of a better tomorrow.

 

Kelvin Abuchi Ugwuoke is a Chief Superintendent of Corrections presently attached to the Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service National Headquarters, Abuja. For feedback, send to: ugwukev11@gmail.com or call/SMS/Whatsapp: 07032041733.

THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE IN PROMOTING PUBLIC SAFETY

 

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) plays a vital role in ensuring public safety by rehabilitating offenders, deterring crime, and fostering societal reintegration. As an arm of the criminal justice system, its mandate extends beyond merely holding individuals in custody. It seeks to transform them into law-abiding citizens, thereby reducing recidivism and enhancing community security.

One of the key functions of the NCoS is the safe and humane custody as well as care of offenders. By providing a secure environment, it prevents those in custody from committing further crimes while awaiting trial or serving sentences. Moreover, the Service actively addresses the root causes of criminal behavior through formal educational programmes, vocational training, and psychological/counseling services. These interventions empower inmates with skills and knowledge to lead productive lives post-incarceration.

In addition to rehabilitation, the NCoS promotes public safety through effective community corrections programmes, otherwise known as non-custodial service. Initiatives like parole, restorative justice, community service and probation allow certain offenders to serve their sentences within society under strict supervision. This not only eases prison overcrowding and contamination of minor and first offenders, but also enables gradual reintegration, fostering accountability and reducing the stigma associated with incarceration.

Collaboration with communities as well as other stakeholders is another critical aspect of the roles that the Nigerian Correctional Service play. The Service partners with law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations, and communities to implement crime prevention strategies and public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to educate citizens about the consequences of crime while fostering a culture of respect for the law.

Despite facing challenges such as underfunding, overcrowding, and inadequate resources, the Nigerian Correctional Service continues to adapt and innovate. By prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration, it underscores the importance of addressing crime's societal roots. A stronger, well-supported Nigerian Correctional Service is essential for a safer Nigeria, where communities thrive free from fear of crime.

POSITIONING THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE FOR FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

 

One of the hidden truths is that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has a significant role to play in ensuring food security and contributing to the agricultural development of Nigeria. With abundant human and land resources domiciled in the over 80,000 inmates in the 253 custodial centres as well as the numerous farm centres with expanse of land nationwide, the correctional service can seamlessly guarantee food security and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation’s agricultural sector, if properly positioned.

Agriculture is a vital component of Nigeria's economy, accounting for approximately 25% of the country's GDP. However, we are all witnesses to the fact that the agricultural sector in Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to loan and credit, and use of inefficient and crude farming practices etc. Despite these challenges, the sector offers significant opportunities for growth and development, which can bring Nigeria out of the woods it is currently in considering the scarcity and high cost of food in the market today.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has a unique role to play in food security and agricultural development in Nigeria. With a large human resource base comprising of inmates and personnel, the service can contribute to agricultural production, processing, and marketing. The Nigerian Correctional Service can also provide training and skills development programmes for inmates, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to engage in agricultural activities upon release.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has access to substantial areas of land, but this land is either not sufficiently utilized or under-producing. The Service runs numerous Farm Centres with the mandate of training inmates in agricultural practices. Farm centres are constrained by lack of resources, while mode of production is still crude. Particularly, funding has been a major constraint that is bugging down the Service in this endeavour. If the Nigerian Correctional Service as an institution comes low down the list of government spending priorities, farm centres appear low down the list of budgeting priorities in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

There are not less than 12 major Farm Centres in Nigeria, located in Lakushi (Plateau), Elele (Rivers), Bisallam (Sokoto), Maiduguri (Borno), Birnin-Kudu (Jigawa), Ozalla (Edo), Ago-Iwoye (Ogun), Jato-Aka (Benue), Dukpa (FCT), Ibite-Olo (Enugu), Orreh (Imo), Kujama, Adim (Cross River) etc. There are poultry/piggery projects in Enugu, Kaduna, Ilorin, Owerri, Kuje, Kiri-kiri, Minna,Abeokuta, Makurdi, Argungu, Abakiliki, Potiskum, Onitsha, Ogba, and a grass cutter project in Aba. There are agriculture gardens/projects in Kaduna, Oji-River, Saminaka, Lamingo, Obubra, Abakiliki, Sintali/Kojoli, Lafiaji, Funtua,Ingawa, Itu, and Ogbomosho, amongst others. These farm centres can guarantee food security and agricultural renaissance if properly positioned to do so.

The Service engaging in agricultural production can have numerous benefits. First and foremost, it can be a leeway to achieving a reduced recidivism rate in Nigeria. It is by providing inmates with skills and knowledge in agriculture that the Service can reduce recidivism rates and enhance community and public safety. Being a frontline player in agricultural production will also lead to increased food production, thereby enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imports. In Furtherance, by providing inmates with agricultural skills and knowledge, the Service can empower them economically, reducing poverty and enhancing socio-economic stability, while contributing to employment generation and socio-economic development.

To position the Service for optimal impact in food security and agricultural development, Service need to rejuvenate the farm centres in various locations across the country, providing inmates with hands-on training in agricultural production and practices. The Service also needs to provide training and skills development programmes for inmates, focusing on areas such as crop production, animal husbandry, and agricultural entrepreneurship. The Service needs to partner with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, to access resources, expertise, and markets for agricultural products.

Most importantly, the Service should as a matter of fact adopt mechanized farming practices and leverage technology to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency, while focusing on developing the entire agricultural value chain, from production to processing and marketing, to ensure that inmates gain comprehensive knowledge and skills. Also, there is need for the Service to recruit instructors and other experts in agricultural practices to drive the process.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has a significant role to play in food security and agricultural development of Nigeria. By repositioning itself, the Service can contribute meaningfully to food security, agricultural production, processing, and marketing, while also providing inmates with skills and knowledge that can enhance their socio-economic prospects upon release. The benefits of NCoS participation in agricultural development are numerous, and the service must be positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria's food security and agricultural transformation.

Tackling Stress and Burnout for Correctional Officers in Nigeria

 

In the corridors of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, thousands of officers perform a challenging and often underappreciated job. Tasked with maintaining order, ensuring security, and overseeing rehabilitation efforts, correctional officers face extraordinary pressures daily. Over time, this high-stakes environment can lead to stress and burnout—conditions that not only harm the individual but also hinder the effectiveness of the entire correctional system.

Stress and burnout are global workplace issues, but for correctional officers in Nigeria, the problem is compounded by unique challenges. From overcrowded facilities to a lack of resources, these officers work in an environment that tests their physical, emotional, and mental resilience. Yet, the conversation around their well-being remains limited.

This article explores the causes and impacts of stress and burnout among correctional officers in Nigeria and proposes actionable solutions to help improve their lives—and, by extension, the quality of correctional services across the nation.

The Challenges Faced by Correctional Officers in Nigeria

Correctional officers in Nigeria navigate a landscape fraught with challenges. Many facilities across the country operate well beyond capacity, with overcrowding rates as high as 150% in some states. This creates a volatile environment where officers must manage the safety of inmates, themselves, and their colleagues under extremely strained conditions.

Moreover, the sector is often plagued by inadequate staffing. With fewer officers available to manage the increasing number of inmates, the burden on the existing workforce becomes overwhelming. Long shifts, minimal breaks, and constant vigilance are the norm, leaving little room for rest or recovery. Adding to these workplace challenges is the societal stigma correctional officers often face. Unlike many other professions, they seldom receive recognition or appreciation for their essential role in upholding justice and security. Instead, they are sometimes viewed with suspicion or disdain, further isolating them from the support networks they need.

These realities combine to create a work environment where stress is constant, and burnout feels inevitable. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With targeted interventions and a shift in how we view and support correctional officers, we can begin to address these issues effectively. Stress and burnout among correctional officers in Nigeria extend beyond individual well-being—they ripple through the entire correctional system, affecting efficiency, safety, and morale.

On Physical and Mental Health

For many officers, the relentless demands of the job take a significant toll on their health. Chronic stress can lead to physical issues such as hypertension, migraines, and weakened immunity. At the same time, the emotional strain can manifest as anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Burnout, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness, leaves officers feeling depleted and detached from their work. In extreme cases, unchecked stress can lead to tragic outcomes, including substance abuse or suicidal thoughts. Without adequate mental health support, many officers face these struggles in silence, perpetuating the cycle of distress.

On Job Performance

A burned-out officer is not just a personal loss—it impacts the entire correctional system. High stress levels often impair decision-making and judgment, which are critical in maintaining order and security. Mistakes or lapses can escalate to dangerous incidents, putting both officers and inmates at risk. Additionally, low morale among officers can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and a diminished sense of duty. Over time, this weakens the system’s ability to fulfill its rehabilitative and custodial goals, ultimately affecting public safety.

On the Correctional System

Stress and burnout also contribute to high turnover rates in the correctional workforce. Experienced officers leave the profession, taking with them valuable skills and institutional knowledge. Their departure creates a vicious cycle, where the remaining staff must shoulder an even greater burden, exacerbating stress for everyone. These systemic impacts highlight the urgent need to address the root causes of stress and burnout. Correctional officers are not only the backbone of the justice system but also key players in ensuring societal stability. Supporting their well-being is, therefore, a collective responsibility.

Strategies for Tackling Stress and Burnout

Addressing stress and burnout among correctional officers in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, institutions, and society at large. Below are practical strategies to mitigate these challenges.

Personal Strategies: Building Resilience

Correctional officers can adopt self-care practices to help manage stress and build resilience. Some effective strategies include:

i.                    Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones, boosts mood, and improves overall health.

ii.                 Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help officers remain calm under pressure.

iii.               Social Support: Building strong personal networks—whether family, friends, or colleagues—provides emotional support during tough times.

iv.               Work-Life Balance: Taking time for hobbies, rest, and non-work activities helps recharge the mind and body.

Institutional Interventions: Creating a Supportive Workplace

Organizations responsible for correctional facilities must take proactive steps to support their staff. Key interventions include:

i.                    Mental Health Resources: Providing access to counselors or therapists who understand the unique pressures of the job. Regular mental health screenings can also help detect issues early.

ii.                 Adequate Staffing: Ensuring sufficient personnel to distribute workloads fairly, reduce overtime, and prevent exhaustion.

iii.               Training and Development: Equipping officers with stress management skills and strategies to handle high-pressure situations effectively.

iv.               Recognition and Incentives: Acknowledging officers’ hard work through awards, promotions, or financial incentives fosters a sense of value and motivation.

Policy Reforms: The Role of Government and Stakeholders

i.                    Governmental agencies and policymakers must prioritize the welfare of correctional officers to ensure a healthier workforce.

ii.                 Improved Facility Conditions: Investing in infrastructure to reduce overcrowding and improve working environments.

iii.               Fair Compensation: Providing competitive salaries and benefits to enhance job satisfaction and financial security.

iv.               Comprehensive Policies: Enforcing laws that prioritize the mental health and safety of correctional staff.

Public and Community Support

The general public and civil society organizations also have a role to play. Raising awareness about the challenges correctional officers face can help reduce stigma and create a supportive environment. Advocacy for better working conditions and mental health services can pressure relevant authorities to act.

A Holistic Approach to Change

Tackling stress and burnout among Nigeria’s correctional officers requires collective effort. From individual resilience-building to institutional support and public advocacy, each stakeholder has a part to play in creating a healthier and more effective correctional workforce. By recognizing the challenges these officers face and implementing practical solutions, we can ensure that those who protect and rehabilitate others are also protected and supported in return.