Jailbreak: Senate Confirms Nwakuche as New NCoS Boss, Tasks Him on Urgent Reforms | ClipTV Online

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday has confirmed the appointment of Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as the substantive Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

Nwakuche, who had been serving in an acting capacity since December 13, 2024, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, now officially assumes the leadership of the service, replacing Haliru Nababa.

His confirmation followed a review and recommendation by the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North).

Nwakuche Nomination

President Tinubu’s nomination request was formally submitted to the Senate last Tuesday, urging lawmakers to consider and confirm Nwakuche for the position. The request, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, cited Section 3(1)(b) of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, as the legal basis for the appointment.

“In compliance with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Act, 2019, I am pleased to present for confirmation the appointment of Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. I trust that the Senate will handle this request promptly,” the President’s letter read.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously approved the nomination, with Akpabio officially announcing Nwakuche’s confirmation.

Challenges

Addressing the newly confirmed Controller-General, Senate President Akpabio tasked him with addressing the persistent issue of jailbreaks, which has plagued the country in recent years.

The confirmation comes just a day after a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, where 12 inmates escaped after breaching the facility’s security. Reports indicate that the escapees damaged padlocks to gain access to an unsecured section before fleeing.

In response, Nwakuche swiftly deployed a tactical response team, which recaptured five of the escaped inmates, while efforts remain ongoing to apprehend the others.

Senate President Akpabio, while acknowledging the security challenges facing correctional facilities nationwide, urged Nwakuche to take decisive action.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. I trust that his appointment will bring an end to the issue of jailbreaks,” Akpabio stated.

The Senate later referred the matter to the Committee on Interior, directing it to submit a detailed report on the security situation within the Nigerian Correctional Service within one week.

Nwakuche’s tenure is expected to focus on prison security reforms, facility upgrades, and the welfare of correctional officers, as the Nigerian Correctional Service grapples with overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and frequent security breaches.

The Punch