The Federal Government has cautioned officers and staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) against any form of improper association with inmates, describing such behavior as a serious threat to national security and the integrity of the correctional system.

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during the decoration of 16,582 newly promoted personnel — the largest promotion exercise in the history of the NCoS.

Nwakuche emphasized that collusion, trafficking, or compromise with inmates would not be tolerated, stating: “Such actions erode public trust, endanger institutional security, and undermine reform efforts. The full weight of the law will be applied against any officer found guilty, regardless of rank.”

The promotions included 11,417 senior officers and 4,253 junior personnel. Highlights include 128 junior officers elevated to Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, 89 Correctional Assistants promoted to Inspectorate, and 689 Chief Correctional Assistants converted to Inspectors. Six officers also received special promotions for gallantry and exceptional performance.

Nwakuche praised President Bola Tinubu and Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for supporting the reform of the correctional system. He reminded all personnel that promotion comes with heightened responsibilities, demanding discipline, integrity, and leadership. Officers not promoted were urged to remain patient and committed, as “promotion is a process, and timing differs, but discipline, competence, and consistency never go unnoticed.”