BY GLORY EHIOGIE 

The Nigerian Correctional Service has revealed a troubling mental health crisis within its custodial centres, disclosing that 8,246 inmates are currently suffering from mental illness.

This figure was made public during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS, held in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, Dr. Glory Essien, highlighted the harsh reality of incarceration and its impact on mental health during her address to the panel.

“We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres.

“From the moment someone is brought in the police escort them to the gate, it’s opened, they’re admitted, and then that gate locks behind them.

“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted,” she said.

Essien further explained that the prison system relies on an internal network of trained inmate-leaders who assist staff in identifying those showing signs of psychological distress.

“These leaders are trained to alert the staff when they notice concerning behaviour. They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ That helps us intervene early,” she said.

Despite these efforts, the scale of mental health issues far exceeds the available resources.

“If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually.

“That’s why we rely on these trained inmates to help us identify those in need, so we can provide care as best we can,” the ACG noted.

She also underscored the logistical challenges of delivering mental healthcare in correctional facilities.

“Mental illness is chronic, it’s not like malaria where you give a dose and it clears up,” she said, pointing to transportation issues, limited drug supplies, and staff shortages as ongoing obstacles.

“We’re not operating in a five-star environment. But with the little we have, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of our work,” Essien said.