The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intercepted an attempt to smuggle cocaine and other hard drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the spokesman of the FCT Command of NCoS, Samson Duza, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Njimogu Ikedi, was arrested around 12:45 pm on Saturday during a routine search.
Ikedi, who had concealed substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, cocaine, and other psychoactive drugs in his clothing, was apprehended while trying to gain access to the facility under the guise of visiting an inmate.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Jen, immediately ordered his arrest. The suspect has since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Jen, while commending the vigilance of his officers, warned visitors with “ulterior motives” to steer clear of custodial facilities, stressing that attempts to smuggle contraband would always be uncovered. He also appealed to the public to support ongoing efforts at reforming and rehabilitating offenders for national safety.
The arrest is the latest in a string of incidents at Kuje prison. In July 2024, a woman was caught attempting to smuggle psychoactive substances into the facility, while another similar case was recorded over a year ago, when a female visitor concealed drugs in food packs for an inmate.
The NCoS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian custodial centres remain free from illicit drugs and contraband that could compromise prison security and rehabilitation programs.
