The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has sounded the alarm over a growing mental health crisis in the country’s custodial centres, revealing that more than 8,000 inmates are currently battling mental illness.
This figure was disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.
Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Glory Essien, told the panel that the realities of incarceration significantly affect inmates’ mental well-being. She noted that the system depends on a network of trained inmate-leaders who help identify individuals showing signs of psychological distress.
Essien also pointed out that delivering adequate mental healthcare in correctional facilities is hindered by logistical challenges, further complicating the already strained prison health system.
