The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has promoted 16,582 officers across various ranks, describing the exercise as the largest promotion in the history of the Service.
The promotions were announced on Tuesday in Abuja during a decoration ceremony organised by the NCoSheadquarters to recognise officers who advanced to new ranks. The exercise, according to the Service, is aimed at motivating personnel and strengthening professionalism nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, said the promotion exercise was undertaken to reward dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice, while also supporting ongoing correctional reforms and improving institutional capacity.
Mr. Nwakuche said the ceremony went beyond the conferment of new ranks, noting that it reflected the steady growth of the Nigerian Correctional Service in recent years. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support for correctional reforms and a sustained commitment to strengthening security and justice sector institutions.
He also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who serves as the supervising minister and Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, for providing strategic leadership and approving policies that made the promotion exercise possible. According to him, the minister’s emphasis on personnel welfare and capacity development remains widely recognised within the Service.
The Controller-General further acknowledged the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, for her administrative guidance and cooperation, which he said contributed to effective service delivery and the smooth implementation of government policies within the NCoS.
Providing a breakdown of the exercise, Mr. Nwakuchesaid 11,417 officers were promoted within the senior cadre, while 4,253 junior officers advanced to higher ranks. He added that 128 junior officers were upgraded to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Corrections after obtaining approved academic qualifications.
He disclosed that 89 Correctional Assistants were upgraded to the Inspectorate cadre after earning Diplomas and NCE qualifications, while 689 Chief Correctional Assistants converted to the rank of Inspector following the successful completion of mandatory conversion courses. He also said six officers received special promotions to the rank of Inspector in recognition of gallantry and exceptional performance.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Mr. Nwakuche cautioned that higher rank carries greater responsibility, calling for enhanced discipline, integrity, leadership, and professionalism in the discharge of duties. He stressed that promotion should be regarded as a renewed call to service, accountability, and excellence.
He warned against indiscipline, trafficking, compromise, and unwholesome relationships with inmates, noting that such actions undermine public trust and threaten security. According to him, the Service maintains zero tolerance for misconduct and will apply relevant laws and regulations to any officer found culpable, regardless of rank.
Addressing officers who were not promoted, the Controller-General urged them not to be discouraged, assuring them that dedication, discipline, and competence would continue to be recognised in future promotion exercises.
The event featured the symbolic decoration of officers, goodwill messages, group photographs, and a renewed commitment by the leadership to reform, professionalism, and accountability within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
