Minister of interior Mr. Rauf Ogbeni Aregbesola says as part of effort to enhance monitoring and safeguarding of the custodial facilities in the country, government has provided and distributed operational vehicles to squadron Commanders across the country.
He said the operational vehicles would boost the security of the custodial centres and also assist in providing security for the ongoing 2023 general elections in the country.
Rauf Aregbesola stated this at the passing out parade of the 29th Assistant Superintendent of Correction, ASC Basic Course Batch 6 at the Correctional Service Staff College, Barnawa Kaduna.
The minister was optimistic that the six months basic course had produced the desired impact on the cadets over the tasks ahead, and reminded them that it is just the beginning of the numerous courses they would undertake in subsequent years.
The Minister charged the cadet officers to embrace highest ethical and moral pedestal and shun all form of corrupt practices and temptation that could compromise the integrity of the Service.
According to Rauf Aregbesola, Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has the interest of all Nigerians at heart which has been demonstrated via policies and measures put in place to improve the well-being of the citizenry, including those behind the bars.
“You must keep the inmates in your custody safe from any harm at all times, safe from external intruders, safe from other inmates and safe from themselves. More importantly, your institution and all its custodial centres must be protected and made inviolable”
“The custodial centres are a Red Zone. Be a mother lion – gentle, friendly and fiercely protective of her cubs; but dangerous, deadly and merciless towards any unfortunate intruder to her space”.
Aregbesola said efforts had been put in place to boost the morale of the correctional Service Personnel through workshops, building of new barracks and renovation of old ones as well as prompt promotion exercise.
The reviewing officer who tasked them to remain disciplined, patriotic and diligent in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities given the prevailing security challenges confronting the country, urged officers and men of the correctional service to always demonstrate leadership at all times and excel in any assignment given to them.
“I have no doubt also that in the process of your training and indoctrination, you have been taught the essence of the correctional service and its raison d’état. Corrections is the end point of the justice system”,
“Criminal suspects are held in custody in the course of their trial, while convicts are kept away from society for them to be reformed and reintegrated into society as better citizens, after they have paid their dues”,
“You are the instrument of the government for realizing these objectives, the training you have received is to equip you to carry out this task. You must not fail the nation and you must not fail this institution, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)” he added.
He congratulated the Commandant of the college ACGC. Amoran Olanrewaju and his team of instructors for ensuring that the College continued to fulfil its mandate of training and re-training of officers in line with the present Correctional Service Act, 2019.
Aregbesola urged the management team to remain resolute in carrying out its lawful duties as government has put in place adequate measures , to combat any ugly security threat that might arise.
Daniel Karlmax