The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, has rejected allegations that its officers are releasing inmates for “Omila operations,” a term suggesting involvement in robbery activities in the state.
The rumors circulating on social media claimed that wardens at Okere Prison in Warri were facilitating the release of prisoners, allowing them to participate in criminal operations before returning them to the facility.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday in Asaba, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC Allen Iloba, strongly denied the claims, labeling them as false and malicious.
The statement read: “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Delta State Command, has been drawn to a baseless online report by an unreliable source, ‘Warri Aproko II,’ alleging that NCoS officers have been releasing inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Warri to participate in ‘Omila operations,’ only to return them to prison afterward. This claim is entirely false, unpatriotic, and a malicious attempt to tarnish the reputation of our institution.”
The NCoS clarified that no inmate, especially those on Death Row, is allowed anywhere near the prison gates, let alone be involved in criminal activities such as robbery.
The statement continued, “Clearly, the writer lacks understanding of the operational procedures of the NCoS. The report is nothing more than an attempt to mislead the public. The source, ‘Warri Aproko,’ has no official contact information, only a faceless Facebook account used to spread unfounded rumors.”
The Delta State Command also called on media outlets to ensure proper verification of information before publication.
It reaffirmed its commitment to justice, emphasizing that NCoS officers are dedicated to the reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates upon the completion of their sentences.
