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Nigerian security agencies have recorded significant milestones in the first half of 2026, highlighted by zero prison breaks nationwide, the thwarting of an explosive attack on a custodial centre, and the dismantling of an illicit arms factory supplying insurgents.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) disclosed these achievements on Thursday during a joint security news briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.
NCoS: Zero Prison Breaks and Thwarted IED Plot
The NCoS reported successfully maintaining maximum security across its facilities between January and June 2026, recording zero prison breaks.
NCoS Public Relations Officer Jane Osuji revealed that operatives intercepted an attempt to smuggle an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ikot Ekpene, averting a major security disaster. Intelligence-led operations also resulted in the arrest of six suspected traffickers attempting to breach custodial centres in Agodi, Kano, Ondo, Akure, Kaduna, and Kuje.
Key Correctional Service Data (Jan–June 2026):
Contraband Recovered: 1,167 items during routine searches, including 130 mobile phones, 2.5kg of Indian hemp, 268 illicit drugs, and cash.
High-Risk Inmates: 628 violent extremist offenders remain under enhanced segregation and intelligence-monitoring protocols.
Rehabilitation Success: The national recidivism rate plummeted from 88% to 30% due to expanded vocational training and psychosocial support.
Decongestion Efforts: Nine inmates were granted parole for the first time under the new non-custodial system.
Internal Discipline: 27 personnel were sanctioned under a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.
NSCDC: Arms Factory Dismantled and Vandalism Crackdown
The NSCDC announced the apprehension of 220 suspects across various operations, addressing severe threats ranging from insurgency support to economic sabotage.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi confirmed the discovery and dismantling of an illegal arms factory in Yobe State. The facility was producing locally fabricated rifles for bandits and insurgents. Operatives arrested one suspect and recovered heavy gun-making machinery, including metal lathes, gun pipes, and fire selectors.
Additional NSCDC Highlights:
Economic Sabotage: Intercepted approximately ₦1 billion in counterfeit foreign currency.
Infrastructure Protection: Secured court orders to seal Inner Galaxy Steel Company and Jiuxing Integrity Industrial Ltd nationwide over large-scale infrastructure vandalism.
Syndicate Takedowns: Dismantled a major cable theft syndicate (10 arrested, one neutralized during a gun duel), and arrested 16 suspects for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and illegal firearms possession.
Conflict Resolution: The Peace and Conflict Resolution Department handled 3,420 disputes, successfully resolving 2,692 cases.
NIS: Massive Repatriations and Border Tech Deployment
Focused on border security and migration management, the NIS detailed massive enforcement and rescue operations between January and May.
Border Control Operations:
Deportations: Six foreign nationals deported, including four linked to a visa racketeering syndicate and two ex-convicts.
Document Fraud: Recovered 47 National Identification Number (NIN) cards from irregular migrants.
Seaport Security: Apprehended 21 stowaways attempting to enter or exit the country illegally.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Deployed surveillance masts under the e-Border Solution and established an Integrated Operating Centre to boost intelligence gathering.
