The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has achieved a major milestone in the implementation of the Service Act, 2019, with the successful release of 10 parolees under its parole provisions.

The NCoS made this known in a statement signed by the public relations officer, CSC Jane Osuji, in Abuja on Monday.

Ms Osuji said the historic event, which took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia, marked the first practical application of the parole system in Nigeria.

She also said that it represented a significant advancement in the NCoS’s ongoing correctional reforms aimed at promoting rehabilitation, reintegration, restorative justice, and custodial decongestion.

She described the success as the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of correctional administration in Nigeria and reinforced the correctional service’s commitment to a humane, rehabilitation-driven, and community-focused correctional system.

Ms Osuji said the ten freed parolees were drawn from the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Aba and Umuahia, as well as the Custodial Centre, Arochukwu.

She added that the parolees received empowerment and reintegration support packages to facilitate their successful reintegration into society.

According to her, the packages include sewing machines, vocational tools, and livelihood support items, delivered through a partnership among the Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the International IDEA Programme, and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (ROLAC), with financial assistance for their transportation and resettlement.

She quoted the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, ACG Ngozi Okeke, as describing the occasion as a defining moment in Nigeria’s correctional history.

Mr Nwakuche said that it was a major step towards the full implementation of the transformative provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.

According to him, parole is a globally recognised correctional mechanism that enables carefully selected, deserving inmates to gradually reintegrate into society under supervision, while maintaining public safety and accountability.

“The successful implementation of parole demonstrates the service’s commitment to balancing justice with rehabilitation, and reflects the federal government’s resolve to adopt modern and progressive correctional practices.

“The commencement of parole administration in Nigeria is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of recidivism, enhance offender rehabilitation, strengthen community reintegration, and decongestion of custodial facilities across the country,” he said.

The CGC commended the Abia State command, chairman and members of the Abia Parole Board, the judiciary, and all criminal justice stakeholders for pioneering the implementation of the parole system.

He acknowledged PRAWA, the International IDEA Programme, ROLAC, and other NGOs for their support.

The controller also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, employers, civil society organisations, and members of the public to embrace and support the reintegration of parolees and other ex-offenders.

“The successful reintegration remains a collective responsibility and is essential to reducing re-offending, strengthening public safety, and building safer communities,” he said.

Earlier, the controller of corrections in Abia, CC Ifeoma Nwanyanwu, described the event as a practical demonstration of the service’s commitment to rehabilitation-focused corrections.

The chairman of the state parole board, Justice Obisike Oji, explained that parole was not an act of pardon or clemency.

He described it as a structured correctional measure designed to facilitate the supervised reintegration of deserving inmates into society.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and make productive contributions to their communities.

(NAN)