Cross River NCoS boss vows to strengthen security for the festive season

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Cross River State has formally received its 30th substantive Controller, CC Aniekan Archibong Nyah, who has pledged sweeping reforms, enhanced security, and improved inmate welfare across all custodial centres in the state.

Nyah assumed office on Friday, 5 December 2025, following the deployment of his predecessor, CC Richard Moses Williams (FCAI), to the state of Rivers.

The handover ceremony, held at the state command headquarters in Calabar, was attended by sectional heads and reflected a cordial transition of leadership.

In his remarks, outgoing Controller Richard Williams expressed gratitude to God, the Cross River State Government, officers in charge, staff, and inmates for their support throughout his tenure. He urged officers to extend the same loyalty and professionalism to the new Controller, ensuring the command’s objectives are achieved.

Responding, Nyah thanked his predecessor for the warm reception and pledged to consolidate on existing achievements while intensifying efforts in security, staff welfare, and inmate rehabilitation, in line with the NCoS Act, 2019.

He emphasised that his administration would focus on repositioning custodial operations and strengthening intelligence gathering to ensure effective management of all facilities.

Speaking further during an interaction with journalists and senior personnel, the new helmsman said he is determined to move the command to “an enviable height,” despite the challenges commonly associated with correctional administration.

Although yet to complete a full tour of facilities, beginning with the Calabar Custodial Centre, Nyah noted that structural, logistical, and welfare-related issues require urgent attention.

“There are a series of challenges on the ground, and I intend to tackle them one by one, by God’s grace,” he said, adding that initial engagements with staff have highlighted areas needing immediate reinforcement for greater efficiency.

On inmate welfare and facility conditions, Nyah acknowledged the nationwide pressures on correctional centres, describing inmates as “Oliver Twist” whose needs are often numerous.

He assured that the command would work closely with NGOs, religious groups, and other partners to improve feeding, medical care, and general living conditions.

“Funds may not be readily available, given the realities of the country, but with consistent outreach, I believe our inmates will be better off. Once resources are released, many of these issues will gradually become a thing of the past,” he said.

Nyah reiterated his resolve to leave the service better than he met it, stressing professionalism, discipline, and humane treatment of inmates as key pillars of his leadership.

As Cross River enters the peak of the festive season highlighted by the globally acclaimed Carnival Calabar, the Controller assured residents that the NCoS is fully prepared to support state-wide security efforts.

He disclosed that all custodial stations have been directed to boost internal and external security while maintaining seamless cooperation with the police, military, DSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“My PRO has briefed me, and efforts have been made to ensure we fit into the security architecture for the carnival. We have prepared fully,” he stated.