The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reaffirmed the vital role traditional institutions play in the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into the society.
The NCoS said community support remained indispensable to achieving sustainable corrections and reducing recidivism.
This is contained in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by the service Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSC Jane Osuji.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said this when he received two traditional rulers on separate courtesy visits to the NCoS National Headquarters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the traditional rulers are the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, and the Paramount Ruler of the Kajju Traditional Council, Kajju Chiefdom, Luka Kogi Yabuwat, Agwan Kajju II.
Nwakuche appreciated both royal fathers for their goodwill and continued support for the service.
He reaffirmed the NCoS commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders in advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
“Effective corrections extend beyond custodial walls.
“The active involvement of families, communities and traditional leaders remain essential to achieving lasting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and building safer communities across the country,” he said.
Earlier, the Gomo of Kuje, commended Nwakuche for his leadership and commitment to strengthening the NCoS.
He pledged the continued support of the Kuje traditional institution while also emphasising the importance of sustained collaboration between host communities and custodial facilities.
According to him, such collaboration is essential to promoting peace, security and community development.
Similarly, the Agwan Kajju II, Yabuwat described his visit as a homecoming, recalling his years of service as a retired prison officer.
He drew from his experience within the correctional system and said that the responsibility of reforming offenders could not rest on the service alone.
He noted that traditional rulers occupied a unique position in fostering acceptance and social inclusion of reformed offenders.
Yabuwat therefore urged communities to embrace former inmates and support their reintegration rather than subjecting them to stigma and exclusion.
