Fewer ex-convicts are returning to prison as reforms show results — FG

The Nigerian Federal Government reports a substantial decrease in the number of ex-convicts returning to prison, attributing this success to ongoing rehabilitation and reformation programs within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

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Recidivism was 11,616 when we came in in 2023 in 2024 it dropped to 3,156 but in 2025 it came down to 1,382 recidivists. It means that our reformation programmes are bearing fruits. The point is that we are no longer where we were. We are making progress.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that recidivism dropped from 11,616 in 2023 to 3,156 in 2024, and further down to 1,382 in 2025. "It means that our reformation programmes are bearing fruits. The point is that we are no longer where we were. We are making progress," the minister stated.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the government's ultimate goal is to eliminate recidivism entirely. "For us, not until recidivism gets to zero, we cannot say we have succeeded," he declared. He also provided statistics for May 2026, noting that 15,632 inmates were admitted into custody while 14,190 were released under various legal conditions during the same month.

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For us, not until recidivism gets to zero, we cannot say we have succeeded.

The minister stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations from a recent investigative report on the NCoS. "This report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are going to be very aggressive in terms of implementation," he assured, adding that a monitoring and evaluation committee would be established. He also called for collaboration with state governments regarding the relocation of correctional facilities, many of which are outdated and situated in expanding urban areas.

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This report will not gather dust on the shelves. We are going to be very aggressive in terms of implementation.