The minister of Interior Mr. Agbeni Rauf Aregbesola has instructed Security Operatives at the Correctional Centres across the Country to exterminate anyone attempting to attack any Correctional Facility.
He said protecting the intergrity of Correctional Facilities via the use of maximum force would deter any form of attack by criminal elements.
The Minister gave the instruction at the 28th Passing out Parade of the Batch ‘C’ Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, ASC Basic Course at the Correctional Staff College, Kaduna.
Rauf Aregbesola who was represented by the director planning, research and statistics Alh. Kabiru Kajuru Ayuka reminded the Correctional Cadets that their mandate as enshrined in the enabling legislation included safe keeping, Reformation, rehabilitation and reintergration of inmates back to the society in accordance with global best practices.
The Minister of Interior regretted that their graduation came at the time when the Nigerian Correctional Service is faced with alot of challenges ocassioned by frequent attacks on the custodial centres across the country, and urged the graduating officers to be focused and courageous in carrying out their lawful duties as the Federal Government is committed at creating favourable working environment for all Nigerians.
“Exterminate anyone who approaches our facility with the intent of carrying out attack and that will serve as deterrent to others with the same criminal tendency,
“The ministry is taking drastic measures in conjunction with other security agencies to ensure that the ugly incidence never repeat itself again,
“I assure you now that, there are enough measures put in place by the government to ensure anyone that tries it would not live to tell the story, but rather face the music”, he added.
While congratulating the graduating Cadets, Rauf Aregbesola said the ASC Basic Course is just the beginning of the numerous courses they would undertake as they progress in the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The minister also reminded them of their roles in the service whish he said was crucial in the promotion of national security, crime prevention and control as well as ensuring the safety and security of those in their custody.
Describing the Correctional Cadets Officers as change agent, he charged them to remain resolute at ensuring the Reformation, Rehabilitation and successful reintergration of deviants back to society as contained in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act. 2019.
Aregbesola assured them of the ministry’s determination to always collaborate with the Controller General of the service and his team toward ensuring appropriate measures are put in place for smooth administration with a view to promoting welfare of the Correctional Service Officers and inmates in the Nation’s Custodial Centres.
He said that, governmentare was committed to ensuring the full implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act. 2019 with a view to facilitate the realization of the objectives of the act.
According to Aregbesola, the Federal Government will always accord due attention to the Nigerian Correctional Service as evident in the ongoing massive transformations within the Service and the country at large.
He enjoined Officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service to remain discipline, patriotic and diligent in the discharge of their assignment especially in the light of the prevailing security challenges confronting the country.
As major stakeholders in the Nigerian project, the minister said that, the Federal Government of Nigeria expect much from them in its effort to move the nation forward.
153 Correctional Cadet Officers graduated from the six months 28th ASC Basic Course Batch’C’ at the Nigerian Correctional Service staff college, kaduna.
Daniel Karlmax.
