Niger Police, NDLEA, others counsel remand home inmates against crime

The Niger State Police Command, alongside the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant bodies, recently organized a special advocacy program to counsel inmates at the Niger State Remand Home in Minna against engaging in criminal activities upon release. This initiative took place during World Charity Day 2026 and aimed to encourage the juveniles to redirect their lives towards positive values, education, and discipline.

During the event, ASP Simon T. Lough, the POCACOV State Coordinator, addressed the inmates, urging them to let their past mistakes and current circumstances not dictate their future. He emphasized the importance of avoiding drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, violence, thuggery, and other social vices. Instead, he encouraged the juveniles to focus on acquiring skills, pursuing education, and building relationships that would aid their smooth reintegration into society.

Mr. Guja Ibrahim, the State POCACOV Committee Chairman, pledged his organization's commitment to supporting young individuals determined to change their lives. He specifically promised to assist juveniles who had dropped out of school, helping them explore educational opportunities upon their release. Ibrahim highlighted the significance of ongoing mentorship and guidance.

The NDLEA also educated the inmates about the perils of substance abuse, warning of its detrimental effects on their health, academic performance, and decision-making abilities. Similarly, the Inmates Educational Foundation cautioned the juveniles against returning to criminal behavior after their release, advocating education and discipline as means to rebuild their lives. The foundation even contributed by providing exercise books and other educational tools to the inmates, as part of their commitment to the program.

Mr. David Gana Yisa, the Deputy Director of Socials in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, viewed the program as a significant step towards offering young offenders a brighter future. He called for stronger collaborations to sustain such initiatives. The facility's head, Hajia Halima Mohammed, expressed her gratitude to the stakeholders for this pioneering intervention.

She emphasized that it would complement the rehabilitation efforts at the facility and assist the juveniles in successfully reentering society.

The program featured interactive sessions and the awarding of incentives to the participating juveniles. Stakeholders reiterated that rehabilitating vulnerable young people necessitates the joint efforts of government agencies, families, security organizations, civil society, and the media.