NCoS destroys 1,167 phones, sanctions 147 officers over contraband smuggling

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The Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday destroyed 1,167 mobile phones and other prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country, as part of efforts to curb illicit activities within correctional facilities.

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Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the items were seized over the past eight months and included smartphones, SIM cards, chargers and other unauthorised materials.

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“Before you are prohibited items recovered from custodial centres across the country within the last eight months. These include mobile phones, SIM cards, and other unauthorised materials.

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“Their presence within our facilities is unacceptable. They compromise security, disrupt discipline, and create channels through which criminal activities are sustained from within custody.

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“A total of 1,167 mobile phones—comprising Android devices, iPhones, and button phones—alongside various earpieces, chargers, and other unauthorised materials will be destroyed today.

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“These recoveries underscore both the scale of the challenge and the seriousness of our response,” he said.

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He added that ₦2.57 million in cash confiscated during the operations had been paid into government coffers in line with financial regulations.

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The CG further revealed that 147 personnel had been sanctioned for misconduct, including complicity in the smuggling of contraband into custodial centres.

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He said,“Within the Service, we have matched policy with action. So far, 147 staff members have been sanctioned for various acts of misconduct, including complicity in contraband trafficking. This underscores a simple truth: accountability is no longer negotiable. The Service will not shield anyone who undermines its mandate.

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To our officers and men, your responsibility is clear. Maintain the highest standards of discipline and vigilance. Any form of compromise will attract firm and decisive action in accordance with the law and Service regulations.”

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According to him, several external collaborators involved in smuggling activities have been arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution, with some already standing trial.

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Nwakuche said the Service had set up a Special Crack Team to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and enforcement, leading to the recovery of the items.

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He warned both personnel and members of the public against engaging in contraband smuggling, describing such acts as threats to national security and the administration of justice.

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“To members of the public, families of inmates, and all who interact with our facilities, I offer this caution: do not attempt to breach our systems or influence our personnel. Do not conceal prohibited items in food, clothing, or personal effects. The consequences will be severe, and enforcement will be uncompromising,” he said.

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