Security: AIG Fayoade Hosts ACG Fatinikun, Strengthens Collaboration on Correctional Center Safety | ClipTV Online

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, welcomed Assistant Controller General Correctional Service, Zone A, ACG Opeyemi Fatinikun, mni, on a courtesy visit to Zone 2 Police Command. The meeting was held to discuss enhanced security measures for correctional facilities in Lagos and Ogun States.

The meeting aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in ensuring proper security management within correctional centers.

ACG Fatinikun Concerns

ACG Fatinikun expressed concern, raised critical security issues. He emphasized the urgent need for police officers to be stationed at correctional facilities. He revealed that Zone A correctional centers currently house 13,480 inmates, which is about three times the designated capacity.

He particularly highlighted that Ogun State has the highest number of detained inmates in Nigeria after Lagos, stressing the need for adequate security personnel to manage the rising inmate population.

ACG Fatinikun further expressed concern over a shortage of operational vehicles for transporting inmates to court. He requested for armed police escorts to secure inmate movement and prevent any security breaches.

“Though we have been managing correctional service operations smoothly, the lack of police officers at the facilities remains a major challenge. We seek a standby unit of armed personnel to help prevent any potential chaos from inmates,” he stated.

ACG Fatinikun further seek for coordination among security agencies to ensure accurate public information. He emphasized that misleading narratives should be avoided at all cost.

AIG Fayoade’s Response

Responding to the ACG, AIG Adegoke Fayoade acknowledged ACG Fatinikun’s concerns and pledged stronger police support for correctional facilities. He described ACG Fatinikun as a dedicated and highly competent officer, emphasizing that his leadership will greatly improve security operations in Lagos and Ogun States.

“I have known you for a while. You are active, agile, and always ready for service. I trust that we will work together to enhance security in the custodial centers,” AIG Fayoade said.

On the issue of overcrowding, the AIG noted that a joint meeting between the NCoS, NPF, and the judiciary is crucial to reforming the criminal justice system and reducing the burden on correctional centers.

“The government may not have the resources to build new correctional facilities soon, but we can find ways to reduce the population burden by prioritizing non-custodial sentences for minor offenses,” he stated.

Key Discussion Points

1. Increased Security at Correctional Facilities – AIG Fayoade promised to deploy mobile police officers to protect custodial centers and prevent surprise attacks.
2. Tripartite Collaboration – He stressed the need for joint efforts between the Judiciary, Police, and Correctional Service to improve case management and reduce congestion.
3. Addressing Rising Inmate Population – AIG Fayoade noted that as Nigeria’s population grows, crime rates increase, leading to more detainees in outdated facilities.
4. Operational Challenges – Both leaders agreed on the need for better logistics, transportation, and welfare for inmates to improve service delivery.
5. Public Awareness & Accurate Information – ACG Fatinikun urged proper communication to the public, ensuring transparency and avoiding misinformation about correctional centers.

Commitment to Security

The AIG assured the ACG of unwavering police support, reaffirming that Zone 2 will work closely with the Correctional Service to enhance safety, prevent jail breaks, and improve overall security in correctional centers.

He emphasized that all security agencies must collaborate in real-time to combat insecurity in the country, pledging continued partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

Attendees at the Meeting

The high-level security meeting was attended by senior officials from both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), including:

DCC O. Adetula

SC Osifeso

ASC Oghoghomhe

DCP Adewale Ajao

ACP Bawah Saadu

ACP Gbenga Ogunsakin

ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda

CSP Ayuba

And other top security officials.

The visit marks a significant step towards improving security measures in correctional centers, ensuring safer custodial environments in Lagos and Ogun States.