NCoS reports over 8,000 inmates with mental illness

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that 8,246 inmates in its custodial centres are battling mental health conditions.

Glory Essien, Assistant Controller General of Corrections (Medical Services), made this known at a public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS, in Abuja on Tuesday.

“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something,” she said.

“Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted.”

Essien noted that trained inmate-leaders help identify those showing distress.

“They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ That helps us intervene early.”

She lamented limited manpower and resources.

“If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually.”

On drug provision, Mohammed Bashir, Assistant Controller General of Corrections (Pharmaceutical Services), Mohammed Bashir, said, “The Federal Government has actually been doing its enormous best… but is the money enough? No.”

Bashir added that about 2.3% of the 81,122 inmates nationwide are female, and sanitary pads alone cost “over N4m monthly.”