Crime

1,271 Nigerians serving non-custodial sentences nationwide – NCoS reveals

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2026

A total of 1,271 offenders are currently serving various non-custodial sentences across Nigeria, according to the latest statistics released by the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The figures, obtained from the NCoS on Tuesday, showed that 1,137 of those serving non-custodial measures are males, while 134 are females.

The data indicated that community service remains the most widely used non-custodial measure, accounting for 1,038 offenders nationwide.

Of those on community service, 992 are males, while 46 are females.

The statistics further revealed that 12 offenders are currently on parole, comprising nine males and three females.

Similarly, 34 persons are serving probation sentences, including 30 males and four females.

“Non-Custodial Statistics Summary Summary Of Inmates Population By Convict And Awaiting Trial Persons As At 29th June 2026.

“Total: 1,271. Total Male: 1,137. Total Female: 134: Community Service: 1,038. Male: 992 and Female: 46

“Parole: 12, Male: nine and Female: three,” the data read.

The NCoS data also showed that 162 offenders are undergoing restorative justice programmes. The category consists of 84 males and 78 females.

In addition, 25 offenders fall under other non-custodial measures, with 22 males and three females.

Overall, the figures show that males account for about 89 per cent of the total non-custodial population, while females make up the remaining 11 per cent.

The non-custodial service, introduced under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, is designed to decongest custodial centres by providing alternative sentencing options such as community service, probation, parole and restorative justice for eligible offenders.

Nigeria formally introduced the Non-Custodial Service with the enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, replacing the old Nigerian Prisons Service framework.

The reform established alternatives to imprisonment—including community service, probation, parole and restorative justice—to reduce overcrowding in custodial centres, promote offender rehabilitation and improve the administration of criminal justice.

The initiative also aligns with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Implementation began in phases, with the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos among the first jurisdictions to adopt community service and other non-custodial measures, before the programme gradually expanded to other states.

In recent years, awareness and implementation have grown in states including Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos and Plateau, while the Nigerian Correctional Service has continued to encourage wider adoption by state judiciaries as part of efforts to decongest custodial centres nationwide.

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Crime

NSCDC arrests three more officers over Niger miners’ deaths

Published

30 minutes ago

September 21, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested and detained three more personnel in connection with the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, bringing the number of officers in custody to 24.

NSCDC Spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The NSCDC had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners, who died while in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.

The latest arrests came as the Corps ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across all its formations for three days from Sunday, as a mark of mourning over the incident.

The development came 24 hours after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had announced the committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Afolabi said the three additional personnel identified in connection with the incident had been suspended, bringing the total number of personnel in custody to 24.

The spokesman noted that all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command had been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary action.

He said, “As against the initial figure of 21 personnel, the Corps Public Relations Officer, three more personnel identified have also been placed on suspension, thereby bringing the total to 24 personnel.

“They are among the officers paraded at the Corps Headquarters.”

Afolabi added that the personnel would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

He said, “In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad, all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since 17th September 2026 been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja, where they are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Similarly, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability in the investigation.

He said every personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.

“As a Corps built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, we do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness, or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us,” Audi said.

The Commandant General also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days beginning Sunday.

The officers currently held include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; Obafemi Elvis; Stephen Tsado, Officer-in-Charge of Legal; and other personnel.

The federal government’s 10-member panel is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the responsibilities of any individuals or institutions found to have played a role in the incident.

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Kwara Govt Rescues 30 Children from Illegal Orphanage, Provides Care and Support

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Kwara State Government has commenced post-rescue assessment and rehabilitation of 30 children rescued from the Iranlowo Oluwa Orphanage and Children’s Home, an unapproved facility in Ilorin, with the children now receiving proper care, medical attention and psychosocial support.

The rescue operation was carried out on Thursday by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development following the discovery of irregularities and concerns relating to the welfare and living conditions of the children at the facility.

The rescued children, comprising boys and girls between the ages of two and 15, have been relocated to a government-approved shelter under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development, where they are receiving care, protection and necessary documentation.

The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development, Hajiya Mariam Nnfatima Imam, said the intervention was aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of the children, assessing their immediate needs, evaluating their health and educational conditions, and providing the necessary support for their long-term protection and wellbeing.

She explained that the children are undergoing comprehensive medical screening, nutrition support and psychosocial counselling, while the Ministry is also working on family tracing and reunification, where appropriate.

She added that children who cannot be reunited with their families would be considered for placement in approved care facilities, subject to proper documentation, assessment and follow-up to ensure that their individual needs are adequately addressed.

The Commissioner assured that the children would continue to receive the care and support required to help them regain a sense of safety, belonging and confidence as the rehabilitation process progresses.

The Commissioner further directed that all orphanages, children’s homes and other child-care institutions operating in Kwara State must be duly registered and approved by the Ministry of Social Development.

She also directed all duly approved facilities to clearly display the inscription “Approved by the Kwara State Government” on their signposts for easy identification by members of the public.

She commended the State Government for its commitment to strengthening child protection and ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Director of Social Work, Alhaji Hamzat Abdulfatah, who was involved in the rescue operation, said the intervention had further strengthened collaboration among relevant stakeholders in ensuring the welfare and future of the children.

He said: “This intervention has given these children hope and encouraged us to work together. We now understand that if we manage this process properly and follow due process, these children will have the opportunity to live better and more fulfilled lives.”

According to caregivers, the intervention has provided the children with improved living conditions and access to better feeding, healthcare, education and psychosocial support.

The rescued children expressed optimism that their new environment would translate into better opportunities and contribute to a brighter future.

Rasheedat Shodunnke
Press Secretary
Ministry of Social Development
0806 232 5157

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Crime

Police Rescue 12-Year-Old Girl, Mercy Kefas, Arrest Suspected Abductor in Adamawa

Published

15 hours ago

September 20, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Adamawa State Police Command has rescued a 12-year-old girl, Mercy Kefas, and arrested a 20-year-old woman suspected to be her abductor.

The spokesperson of the command, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, September 19, 2026 said the minor was reported missing by her mother in Guyuk Local Government Area.

According to the PPRO, the girl was later sighted in the company of an unknown woman.

The command launched a coordinated search operation and circulated information to neighbouring communities and relevant formations.

The efforts led to the rescue of the minor and arrest of the suspect identified Jamila Yusuf around Talasse border area.

“The incident was reported on 18th September, 2026 at Guyuk Divisional Headquarters by the victim’s mother, Mrs. Mary Felix, of Birsinsin, Guyuk LGA,” the statement read.

“According to the report, the child went missing and was later sighted in the company of an unknown woman heading towards Balanga/Talasse axis.

“Upon receiving the report, the Police immediately commenced coordinated efforts to locate the child and circulated information to neighbouring communities and relevant formations.

“The swift and proactive response led to the successful rescue of the child and the arrest of the suspect around Talasse border area.

“The suspect is identified as Jamila Yusuf, 20 years, of Lafiya Village, via Balanga LGA of Gombe State. She is currently in custody.

“The rescued child has been reunited with her family.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, fdc, commended the officers involved for their prompt response and professionalism.

“He has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and ensure a discreet investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The CP assures members of the public that the Command will continue to work closely with communities to prevent child abduction and other crimes.

“The Command urges parents, guardians and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of missing children or suspicious movements to the nearest Police formation.”