To reduce ‘idleness, truancy’, prisons boss redeploys senior officers

Jafaru Ahmed, controller-general of prisons, has approved “a major redeployment” of senior officers of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS).

According to Francis Enobore, spokesman of the NPS, a posting instruction letter was issued to this effect on Monday July 11.

Ali Bala Salihi, who heads the directorate of inmates’ training and productivity, has been retired and he is to be replaced by E.O. Ogundele, an assistant controller-general.

“ACG Musa Usman from Zone ‘D’ Minna now heads the directorate of administration and supply while ACG Charles Ahaotu takes over the directorate of works and logistics,” Enobore said.

“ACG Shehu Kangiwa heads the Directorate of Finance and Budget even as ACG Musa Salami from Zone ‘C’ Bauchi superintendents over Health and Social Welfare Directorate. The Operations Directorate is now headed by ACG Etsu Ubi, fdc.

“Other senior officers affected in the mass movement include 6 Zonal Coordinators, 25 State Controllers and 32 officers in-charge of different prison formations across the country.

“The Prison boss noted that the movement became necessary to inject fresh orientation in the workforce, reduce idleness and truancy particularly at the the National Headquarters in order to enhance efficiency. He added that the era where officers spend their entire work life in one location and on a particular post was over.”

“Such practice, he observed, does not allow for sustenance of security in the prison yard and also negates sound understanding of the dynamics of penal management that is needed to make a difference in the life of offenders.”

Aminu Suley, a deputy controller-general and Ali Bala Salami, assistant controller-general were recently retired from the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS).

The pair were retired due to the promotion of their junior, Jafaru as controller-general of the prison service.