The Federal Government has taken a step to investigate correctional service officers, who are allegedly conniving with inmates to finance the operation of terrorists.
Making this known in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Alao Babatunde, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, to probe allegations against the personnel of the service aiding the operations of terrorists.
Tunji-Ojo took this step following the accusation made by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa while appearing before the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Musa in his speech, said “The issue of correctional facilities In the North East, when we were debriefing some of the arrested Boko Haram, they were able to tell us how, from the prison, they could plan operations out in the field. They pass funds across.
“They use some of the warders there. We are not saying all of them are corrupt. They use their accounts and the deal is that anyone whose account is used shares it 50/50. Those are the challenges.”
Reacting to the allegation, Tunji-Ojo, in the statement, condemned the act by the personnel.
The minister vowed that any personnel found capable would be seriously dealt with.
“The minister has called for a speedy investigation into the matter, noting that any officer culpable or complicit in sabotaging the Nigerian Correctional Facility, and by extension, the security of the country, shall face the full wrath of the law.
“The minister also wishes to inform the public that actions are underway to reform the correctional service to match international standards, where inmates would be truly rehabilitated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“He stated that the era of talks but no action is over and that the current administration will not entertain a breach by any officer.
He added that they have the interest of the state to protect, and it is above anyone’s interest.”
