. . . As Immigration, NSCDC intensify anti-crime operations

By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) foiled an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into a custodial centre that recorded zero prison breaks nationwide between January and June 2026.

While the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) repatriated 567 illegal migrants, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dismantled an illegal arms factory as security agencies intensified operations against organised crime.

The services disclosed this on Thursday at a joint security news briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

The Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Jane Osuji, said the service recorded zero prison breaks nationwide between January and June while foiling an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into a custodial centre in Ikot Ekpene.

Osuji said intelligence-led operations also led to the arrest of six suspected traffickers attempting to smuggle prohibited items into custodial centres in Agodi, Kano, Ondo, Akure, Kaduna and Kuje.

According to her, routine and intelligence-driven searches recovered 1,167 contraband items, including 130 mobile phones, 2.5kg of Indian hemp, 268 illicit drugs, 41 MP3 speakers, 24 power banks and cash.

Osuji said the foiled IED smuggling attempt at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikot Ekpene prevented what could have been a major security breach.

She added that 628 violent extremist offenders remained in lawful custody under enhanced classification, segregation and intelligence-monitoring protocols.

The service’s spokesperson said 22 security infrastructure projects were completed or were ongoing nationwide, while 27 personnel were sanctioned under its zero-tolerance disciplinary policy.

According to her, the recidivism rate dropped from 88 per cent over the past three years to 30 per cent following expanded vocational training, psychosocial support and the introduction of non-custodial measures.

“Nine inmates were granted parole for the first time under the non-custodial system as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities,” she said.

Also, the Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Akinsola Akinlabi, said the service repatriated 567 foreign nationals and rescued 563 victims of human trafficking between January and May.

Akinlabi said the result was part of intensified border security and migration management operations.

He said six foreign nationals were also deported, including four linked to a visa racketeering syndicate and two who completed prison terms for criminal offences.

According to her, operatives recovered 47 National Identification Number (NIN) cards from irregular migrants and apprehended 21 stowaways attempting to illegally enter or leave the country through seaports.

He said NIS had also deployed surveillance masts under the e-Border Solution and established an Integrated Operating Centre to strengthen border surveillance and intelligence gathering.

On his part, Babawale Afolabi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said the corps apprehended 220 suspects, dismantled an illegal arms manufacturing factory and intercepted counterfeit foreign currency valued at about ?1 billion between January and June.

Afolabi said the Illegal arms factory uncovered in Yobe State was producing locally fabricated rifles for bandits and insurgents.

According to him, operatives recovered gun-making equipment, including metal lathes, gun pipes and fire selectors, while one suspect was arrested.

The corps spokesperson said it also secured court orders to seal the nationwide operations of Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd over their alleged involvement in large-scale infrastructure vandalism.

He said Intelligence operatives dismantled a major cable theft syndicate, arresting 10 suspects after a gun duel in which one suspect was neutralised.

Afolabi added that 16 suspects were arrested for kidnapping, cattle rustling and illegal possession of firearms, while eight others were apprehended over illegal mining activities.

According to him, NSCDC Peace and Conflict Resolution Department handled 3,420 disputes between January and May, resolving 2,692 of the cases.

He reaffirmed NSCDC’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led enforcement, protecting critical national assets and combating organised crime across the country. (NAN)

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