On Tuesday, June 25, the federal government announced plans to relocate the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, one of the 256 custodial centers in the country. The Keffi facility, built in 1820, is being affected by urbanization, necessitating its relocation.

During an inspection of the Keffi facility, which has undergone recent rehabilitation including the construction of a new perimeter fence, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring maximum security within custodial centers. He also visited the 3,000-capacity Karshi Custodial Centre in Abuja.

Currently, the Keffi custodial center holds 750 inmates, exceeding its capacity of 340. Of these inmates, 605 are awaiting trial.

“Our correctional centers have transitioned from prisons to the Correctional Service, signaling a shift in ideology from incarceration to transformation, reformation, and correction,” said Tunji-Ojo. “The Keffi custodial centers are highly populated. We need to address this to avoid situations like the one in Suleja.”

The minister highlighted the investment in perimeter fencing, noting the transition from barbwire to concrete walls to enhance security. He acknowledged the age and condition of the Keffi facility, established over 200 years ago, and the impact of urbanization, with civilian houses now sharing fences with the center.

“We have 256 correctional centers, many of which have been here for more than 100 years. This is a long-term issue that predates the current administration,” Tunji-Ojo explained. “However, we are making progress, one step at a time.”

In response to urbanization, the government plans to relocate the old Keffi facility to the newer Keffi New facility and upgrade infrastructure to ensure sustainability and security.