The Kano State Government has expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of the century-old Kurmawa Correctional Centre, describing the facility as grossly overstretched, overcrowded, and no longer suitable for continued use.
Speaking during a high-level visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service Headquarters in Abuja, the State Government delegation, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Internal Security, Air Vice Marshall Ibrahim Umaru (rtd), emphasized that the decayed condition of the Kurmawa facility poses severe risks and urgently requires intervention.
Against this backdrop, the State has proposed a collaborative framework aimed at mobilizing resources for the speedy completion and commissioning of the modern Janguza Correctional Centre.
At the same time, plans are underway to explore the conversion of the old Kurmawa facility into a skill acquisition centre and museum, thereby preserving its historical value while ensuring it serves a productive purpose.
The delegation, which included the Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo; Comptroller, Kano Correctional Service, Ado Inuwa; Chairperson, Kano State Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Hon. Hajiya Azumi Namadi Bebeji; and Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Tanko Muhammad, noted that the ultimate goal of this intervention is to facilitate the safe and orderly relocation of staff and inmates from Kurmawa to the new Janguza Centre.
This, it stressed, is in line with the spirit of cooperative federalism, where the security and welfare of citizens, including those in custody, remain a shared responsibility between the Federal and State Governments.
Speaking further, AVM Ibrahim Umaru (rtd) assured the Comptroller General of Nigeria Correctional Services of the State Government’s readiness to undertake the intervention strictly under the technical guidance and professional jurisdiction of the Service.
He emphasized that the initiative is meant to complement Federal Government efforts and to strengthen the overall security architecture of Kano State.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Ndidi N., commended the Kano State Government for its proactive interventions in the correctional sector.
He disclosed that the visit was so important that he had to reschedule other engagements to host the delegation.
Mr. Ndidi lauded the consistent support of the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, describing him as a leader held in high esteem at the Correctional Service Headquarters.
He assured that any move to improve correctional facilities is a welcome development and noted that the matter would first be discussed with the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for further action.
He further praised Kano State for standing out in its humane approach to governance, extending support not only to correctional services but to humanity in general.
The Comptroller General concluded by assuring that the Service’s formal position on the proposed partnership would be communicated in due course.
The meeting was rounded off with the exchange of souvenirs between both parties, marking a cordial close to the engagement.
