The Nigerian government has released more than 4,000 inmates as part of efforts to decongest prisons and reduce expenses, particularly in food costs, which would save the country an estimated one billion naira.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this during the 5th Ministerial Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday, emphasizing that the initiative targeted inmates imprisoned for minor offenses.
He highlighted that the government’s action has streamlined the prison system, ensuring that facilities are not overburdened with inmates who could be rehabilitated or reintegrated into society.
Beyond prison reforms, the minister reported that, as of 2024, the Commander General’s Special Intelligence Squad had shut down over 2,125 illegal oil refineries and storage sites across Nigeria.
Security operations have also led to the confiscation of nearly 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products, with over 700 suspects apprehended.
The crackdown on illicit activities has resulted in 345 convictions, while 187 cases remain under prosecution.