The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that there are no cases of mpox in any of its 256 custodial centers across the country. This assurance was given by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Despite Nigeria recording 48 cases of mpox across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with no deaths reported, Umar credited the NCoS’s success to proactive measures that have been implemented to prevent disease outbreaks. These measures include strict compliance with medical guidelines, robust sanitation systems, and adequate water supply.
Umar emphasized the NCoS’s collaboration with state governments and the Ministry of Health to prevent mpox from spreading to correctional facilities. He reassured that no staff or inmates would be allowed near infected individuals, and highlighted the ongoing efforts to maintain sanitation and provide clean water in the custodial centers.
The improvements in NCoS operations, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced staff welfare, were attributed to the deliberate efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Umar also mentioned the construction of three new 3,000-cell high-capacity custodial centers in Kano, Karshi-Abuja, and Bori, aimed at addressing overcrowding.
Umar concluded by affirming the commitment of both the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and NCoS Controller General, Haliru Nababa, to maintaining a disease-free environment in all custodial centers across Nigeria.
