NCoS: Rehabilitation of inmates, ex-convicts will reduce crime, promote public safety

Francis John, controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), federal capital territory (FCT) command, says the rehabilitation of inmates and ex-offenders will reduce crime, and promote public safety and national security.

John spoke in Abuja on Friday at the inauguration of a project tagged “Inside-out initiative” and presentations of aftercare materials to ex-offenders by Hope Behind Bars Africa, a civil society organisation.

The controller said the inauguration of the initiative and the presentation of the materials would aid the efforts of the service in offenders’ reentry into society and resettlement.

He noted that the presentation was unique and a welcome development worthy of emulation by other well-meaning individuals and organisations.

“This initiative will contribute a great deal in reducing insecurity in Nigeria because when we get them engaged before they return to society, crime will be reduced,” John said.

“There is an adage that says an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. If we are able to empower inmates or give employment to ex-offenders, we have successfully taken their minds off crime.

“All Nigerians have a stake in ensuring that offenders are well managed and resettled.

”Therefore, this presentation by Hope Behind Bars Africa will go a long way in empowering the inmates, their families as well as dependants.

“By extension, the general public will benefit from this gesture because it will reduce crime and criminality, hence, promoting public safety and national security.”

The NCoS boss encouraged the public to give the returning offenders a second chance and also accept them with open hands and hearts.

John urged the ex-offenders who benefited from the initiative to make use of the materials for their benefit and the good of their communities.

On her part, Oluwafunke Adeoye, the executive director of Hope Behind Bars Africa, said one of the major reasons for crime and criminality in society is poverty.

She noted that supporting the NCoS in rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into society would reduce the trends.

She also said that inmate rehabilitation would help inmates become better persons in their daily doings and reduce to the barest minimum the rate of insecurity in the country.