The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has unveiled a new capacity-building programme for Nigerian Correctional Service officers (NCoS).
The programme which is aimed at rehabilitating and potentially reintegrating suspected Boko Haram members detained in NCoS facilities was sponsored by the German government.
Dr Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, said at the launch on Monday, April 26, in Abuja that the move became even more important in light of the number of inmates detained since 2016 for suspected ties to insurgents.
According to him, the newly initiated scheme, which will be carried out by the NCoS, and will concentrate on providing social reintegration assistance to detainees through schooling, vocational training, and other positive practices.
“A new partnership has been established with the Nigerian Correctional Service and the German government, in close collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.”
We are gathering to launch a new programme aimed at improving the NCoS’ capacity to rehabilitate and reintegrate inmates detained for suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
“Based on our extensive experience in the field of prison reform, “UNODC will seek to improve prison conditions while providing detainees with social reintegration support including education, vocational training and other constructive activities.
“We will be doing so not directly but through the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“This type of support will be embedded in capacity building aimed specifically at the correctional staff to further strengthen compliance with prison management in line with international standards,” he said.
He pointed out that a visit by the UNODC to the Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison showed that there were over 1,200 people including 12 females, held for alleged involvement with Boko Haram.
He said that of the number, only a handful had been tried while a vast majority of them were just being held on remand.
Stolpe, therefore, stressed that the new programme will also strive to advance the de-radicalisation drive of the NCoS while ensuring that the prisoners were treated with human dignity.
“Through the de-radicalisation programme of the NCoS, there have been measures introduced to facilitate the treatment of violent extremists in Nigeria.
“While many of the detainees may be eventually discharged, the need for social integration and support is obvious in light of the extended period of detention and their poor economic social background.
“The stigma of having allegedly been associated with Boko Haram further aggravates the obstacles they will face in rebuilding their lives after their release.
“It is exactly on this point that this new partnership is focused on,” he said.
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On his part, the Acting Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, John Mrabure, said that support from the UNODC backed by the German government was indeed commendable.
He said the programme came at a time when the nation was grappling with diverse security challenges; as such it will enhance the capacity of the correctional officers.
“At this sad period in our history, any assistance that comes with genuine intentions to ameliorate any form of insecurity is a step in the right direction and deserves commendation.
“NCoS by its mandate and mode of operation is designated as the lead agency for the de-radicalisation of violent extremist offenders, a programme which has recorded success.
“It is heart-warming that this support is geared towards strengthening the capacity of the NCoS to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders.
“This intervention will go a long way in enhancing the technical depth of the de-radicalisation programme,” he said.
Explaining the cause of delay in trying the alleged insurgents, Justice Ishaku Bello, Chairman, and Presidential Committee on Correctional Reform Decongestion said that a lot of hitches were being experienced.
He said among others are the issues of family members being unwilling to be associated with the detainees, therefore leaving the buck of legal representation with the Legal Aid Council.
He added that even witnesses refuse to come forward despite assurances of witness protection while judges are also overwhelmed.
He, however, called for the donation of judicial competence to other high courts to facilitate the trial of the alleged insurgents.
NAN
