The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 53,473 inmates are currently awaiting trial in custodial centres across the country, while 3,833 individuals are on death row.
This was revealed in a document presented during the national joint security press briefing held at the National Orientation Agency (NOA) headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
As of July 24, the total inmate population across Nigeria stood at 81,558, comprising 79,615 males and 1,943 females. Out of this figure, 24,252 inmates have been convicted.
The service also reported that it is supervising 476 non-custodial offenders and recorded 3,026 new admissions alongside 3,347 discharges during the review period.
In a move to improve identity management and security in correctional facilities, the NCoS has enrolled over 60,000 inmates into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.
> “In line with the expansion of non-custodial measures, the Service now supervises more than 6,000 offenders under community service, probation, restorative justice, and related regimes,” the document stated.
The NCoS also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance justice delivery through its collaboration with state chief judges in conducting jail delivery exercises—a practice aimed at reviewing cases and easing prison overcrowding.
Moreover, the agency said it continues to participate in prerogative of mercy committees across various states, offering technical expertise in reviewing clemency and pardon applications.
