By: Bayero Ade
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, has strongly denied claims that its officers are allowing inmates to participate in “Omila operations”—a term implying involvement in robbery—after releasing them from prison.
According to NAN, The rumors, circulating on social media, suggested that Okere Prison wardens in Warri were freeing inmates for criminal activities, only to return them to the facility afterward. However, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Asaba, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC. Allen Iloba, refuted these allegations, calling them false and harmful.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, has been alerted to a misleading online report from an unreliable source, ‘Warri Aproko II,’ claiming that NCoS officers have been releasing inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Warri for criminal activities, specifically ‘Omila operations,’ and then bringing them back to prison. This report is completely untrue, malicious, and intended to damage the reputation of the NCoS.”
The NCoS further clarified that no inmate, particularly those on Death Row, is permitted near the gates of the facility or involved in any criminal endeavors. The statement added, “It is evident that the writer is not familiar with the operational procedures of the NCoS. The sole purpose of this fabricated report is to mislead the public. The source, ‘Warri Aproko,’ has no verifiable contact information and relies on a faceless Facebook account to spread unfounded rumors.”
The Command also urged media outlets to be cautious in verifying their sources before publishing stories. It reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring justice by focusing on the reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates following the completion of their sentences.
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