Say efforts are parts of CSR Initiative

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

Jos – The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State has facilitated the release of 21 inmates from the six custodial centres across the State, as part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of participants of the Senior Executive Course, SEC 47, 2025.

The participants, led by Colonel Mukhtar Daroda, the Monitor-General of SEC 47, who visited the Jos Custodial Centre on Friday, said the gesture was aimed at decongesting custodial centres, and providing assistance to indigent inmates with minor offences a second chance at life.

The released inmates were those serving sentences for minor offences and unable to pay fines of ₦100,000 and below.

Colonel Daroda explained that the initiative stemmed from a lecture delivered by the Controller-General of Corrections during the participants’ Defence and Security Week, which inspired them to contribute positively to society.

“This action reflects our corporate social responsibility and aligns with the NIPSS mantra of building a better society. We are glad to complete a process we began a month ago to facilitate the release of inmates with minor offences and low fines. It will help them reunite with their families and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

He added that the beneficiaries were carefully selected based on the minor nature of their offences, their inability to pay the fines, and the demonstration of genuine remorse.

“Most of them could not raise the funds required. We do not know them personally, but we were moved by their conditions and felt compelled to act,” Daroda stated.

He further disclosed that the course participants intend to document the process as a legacy project and encourage subsequent NIPSS executive course participants to continue similar interventions for sustainability saying, “We have set a precedent, and we hope future participants will see the value of what we have done and build upon it.”

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Plateau State Controller of Corrections, Ezekiel Kagah described the event as “very significant” and a great relief to the custodial centres, which have long struggled with congestion.

“This is what we have been praying for all along. Our major challenge in custodial centres is congestion, and this act by NIPSS participants has brought us much relief. The government appreciates this noble act, and we believe the inmates and their families will be very happy. Many never imagined that strangers would step forward to secure their freedom,” he noted.

He urged society to accept the reformed persons, called on the freed inmates to make good use of the opportunity and avoid actions that could return them to the correctional facility, while disclosing that the exercise was expedited to ensure their timely release.

Colonel Daroda, however reminded the beneficiaries of the need to embrace reform, stressing, “The message for them is never return to the offence that brought them here in the first place. Let this be a new chapter in their lives.”