AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON CORRECTIONAL FACILITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Globally, security remains a paramount concern and is widely acknowledged as one of the fundamental responsibilities of the state. According to Adam Smith (as cited in Nwolise, 2010), the foremost duty of a ruler is to ensure the security of the populace, financed through public funds. Within Nigeria’s criminal justice framework, the Nigerian Correctional Service (formerly Nigerian Prisons Service) occupies the third tier—following the police and the judiciary—but plays a critical role in the nation’s security architecture. It is entrusted with the lawful custody of individuals remanded by the courts and is responsible for ensuring their availability for court appearances. Wright (1982) outlines three primary functions of correctional institutions: (a) Deterrence: Prisons serve as a deterrent by instilling fear of punishment, thereby discouraging offenders and the public from engaging in criminal acts. (b) Protection: Prisons aim to safeguard the public by incapacitating offenders and preventing them from committing further crimes. (c) Rehabilitation: Incarceration is also intended to reform inmates, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. However, in recent times, correctional centres across Nigeria have increasingly become flashpoints for security breaches. Facilities in Edo, Ondo, Enugu, Koton-Karfe, and Oko, among others, have been subjected to coordinated attacks, resulting in the escape of numerous hardened criminals. Riots in prisons such as Agodi and Owerri have also led to fatalities and further underlined the fragile state of correctional security. A notable manifestation of this insecurity was observed during the hijacked #EndSARS protests and separatist agitations by IPOB, which were exploited by unidentified gunmen to launch targeted attacks on correctional centres. The unintended consequence of such jailbreaks is the reintegration of dangerous individuals into society, thereby undermining national security efforts. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s correctional centres. 1.2 Statement of the Problem The escalating insecurity across Nigeria has become a matter of urgent national concern. From terrorist activities and banditry to herders’ conflicts, kidnappings, and violent attacks by unknown gunmen—including direct assaults on correctional facilities—the threats are multifaceted and growing. The frequency and sophistication of these attacks suggest that correctional personnel are often overwhelmed and ill-equipped to respond effectively. One significant factor contributing to the vulnerability of correctional centres is the rising influence of non-state actors. The former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, acknowledged this vulnerability in 2014, noting that security equipment across Nigerian correctional facilities was outdated and in dire need of modernization (Punch Newspaper, March 15, 2014). Additionally, both the training and weaponry available to correctional officers fall short of contemporary demands. As Machiavelli emphasized in The Prince, the provision of adequate arms and equipment is vital to maintaining national security. Another pressing issue within the correctional system is the detrimental effect of incarcerating pre-trial detainees—many of whom may be innocent—alongside convicted criminals. This practice exposes them to harmful influences and criminal indoctrination, thereby increasing the likelihood of future criminal behavior. For instance, a 22-year-old suspect recently arrested for armed robbery in Lagos had previously been released as an awaiting-trial inmate under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody (Special Provisions) Act, CAP C40, 2007. Similarly, Punch Newspaper (June 19, 2013) reported the case of Majiyagbe Bashiru, who admitted to forming a robbery gang while serving a sentence in Ikoyi Prison. These examples highlight the substantial security risks emanating from within the correctional system itself and underscore the high rate of recidivism in Nigeria. Against this backdrop, it is imperative to critically examine the effects of insecurity on the operations and effectiveness of correctional centres in Nigeria. 1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The focus of this study is to assess the Impact of Insecurity on Correctional Facility Operations in Nigeria. Specifically the study will examine the factors that makes for easy jail break in  Nigeria correctional Centre. It will suggest how prison break can be managed by Nigeria correctional centre. 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions have been prepared to guide the study i.What are the factors that makes for easy jail break in  Nigeria correctional Centre? ii.How can prison break be managed by Nigeria correctional centre? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS H0: There is no significant impact of insecurity on Nigeria Correctional Centre H0: The depleted situation and security network of Nigerai correctional centre does not contribute to prison break in Nigeria Correctional centres 1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY This research would benefit the general population and add to the body of expertise. The research would be extremely beneficial to the Nigeria Correctional Services and, by implication, all levels of government in Nigeria, as it would expose the impact of jailbreaks on the country's security while also highlighting ways to prevent them. The study will contribute to the general body of knowledge. Students, writers, and academics who are involved in conducting more studies in this area may find the analysis extremely useful. 1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY The scope of this study covers on the Impact of Insecurity on Correctional Facility Operations in Nigeria. The study will examine the factors that makes for easy jail break in  Nigeria correctional Centre. It will suggest how prison break can be managed by Nigeria correctional centre. The study is delimited Owerri Central  Local Government Area in Imo State. 1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY The following factors poses to be a limitation during the course of this research Financial constraint– Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview). Time constraint– The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work. 1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS Insecurity: insecurity is a state of  not being secure, it represent  lack of defense and fear and confidence. National Security: National security or national defence is the security and defence of a nation state, including its citizens, economy, and institutions, which is regarded as a duty of government. Prison: A prison, also known as a jail or gaol, penitentiary, detention center, correction center, correctional facility, lock-up or remand center, is a facility in which inmates are forcibly confined and denied a variety of freedoms under the authority of the state as punishment for various crimes. Prison Break:  Prison Break is an unlawful act under Nigerian law, of a prisoner forcing their way out of a prison.It can also be described as attacks on the Nigerian Prisons Services by terrorists, gunmen and armed robbers in which many prisoners are released. Often, when this occurs effort are made by the Nigerian Prisons Services in conjunction with security agency to rearrest the escapee and return them to the prison and this may result in the extension of their jail term.