The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said, on Thursday, that the Federal Government freed over 4,000 inmates in the correctional facilities, as part of decongestion efforts, thereby, saving N1bn in inmate feeding costs.
The minister made this announcement during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo explained that the initiative helped identify many detainees who were imprisoned over minor fines, leading to their quick release.
“We decongested our correctional centres by five percent last year,” he said.
“Over 4,000 inmates were released in a single day last year. Through a thorough analysis, we found that many were incarcerated for minor fines. This project allowed us to release 4,082 inmates, saving the government N1bn annually in feeding costs.”
He also shared that in 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps across the country.
Tunji-Ojo pointed out that nearly 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products were seized, and over 700 suspects were arrested in connection with these illegal activities.
The squad also achieved 345 convictions, with 187 more cases still pending in court.
“In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad destroyed over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps,” he said. “Nearly 205 trucks transporting illegally refined petroleum products were impounded, and over 700 suspects and accomplices were arrested. Importantly, the corps secured 345 convictions, with around 187 cases still ongoing in court.”
