The Nigerian Correctional Service has faulted a media report that described custodial centres across the country as tuberculosis hotbeds, saying the publication was misleading and did not reflect realities in the facilities.
The Service was reacting to a report published by Daily Trust on January 3, 2026, which alleged that tuberculosis was widespread and poorly managed in Nigerian custodial centres, exposing inmates to serious health risks.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, said the report was built on sweeping generalisations and inaccurate conclusions, despite official information made available to the reporter before publication.
According to the statement, the reporter had contacted the Nigerian Correctional Service to request details on tuberculosis treatment and control measures in custodial centres, and the Service provided what it described as factual and verifiable data in line with national and international standards.
“While the Service recognises and welcomes responsible media engagement on matters of public health and inmate welfare, it is compelled to respond to the misleading narrative, sweeping generalisations, and inaccurate conclusions presented in the report, which do not reflect the true situation within Nigerian custodial centres,” Osuji said.
He added, “The Service provided detailed, factual, and verifiable information outlining existing TB prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment frameworks. Regrettably, the report adopted a sensational tone by portraying custodial centres as unchecked ‘hotbeds’ for tuberculosis. This approach is misleading, unfair, and gives the erroneous impression of systemic neglect where none exists.”
The Service noted that tuberculosis remains a global public health issue affecting both prison and non-prison populations, and said it is addressed in Nigeria through the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health, with the NCoS as an active participant.
Osuji also challenged the credibility of the cases cited in the report, saying they could not be traced to any known custodial centre.
“The report’s broad claims portraying custodial centres as tuberculosis ‘hotbeds’ are not supported by verified NCoS data. Notably, the names and cases cited do not exist in the records of any custodial centre known to the Service,” he said.
He stressed that responsible journalism requires accuracy, balance and reliance on verified data rather than unverified testimonies or sensational headlines.
On health procedures, the NCoS said inmates undergo medical screening upon admission, regular health assessments, isolation where required, and referrals to external hospitals.
It said these measures were strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to prevent outbreaks within custodial centres.
While acknowledging congestion in some urban facilities, the Service said this did not amount to neglect of inmates’ welfare, pointing to ongoing decongestion efforts, increased use of non-custodial measures and the recruitment of additional health personnel approved by the Federal Government.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to safeguarding the health, dignity, and human rights of all persons in custody, recognising that custodial health is inseparable from public health,” Osuji said.
He added that the Service remained open to constructive criticism but would reject what it described as misleading or alarmist reporting.
