The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Thursday that the Federal Government had released over 4,000 inmates from correctional facilities as part of efforts to decongest the system, resulting in savings of N1 billion in feeding expenses. The minister shared these details during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo noted that the initiative focused on identifying and releasing detainees held for minor fines, enabling their prompt return to society. “Last year, we reduced overcrowding in our correctional centres by five percent,” he stated. “In a single day, we freed just over 4,000 inmates after a thorough review revealed that many were detained for petty fines. This effort led to the release of 4,082 inmates and saved the government N1 billion annually in feeding costs.”

In addition to the decongestion achievements, the minister disclosed that in 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad cracked down on illegal oil operations nationwide. The squad dismantled over 2,125 unauthorized refineries and oil dumps, confiscated nearly 205 trucks transporting illegally refined petroleum products, and apprehended more than 700 suspects involved in these crimes.

Tunji-Ojo further revealed that the squad’s efforts resulted in 345 convictions, with 187 related cases still pending in court. “In 2024, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad demolished over 2,125 illegal refineries and oil dumps,” he said. “We impounded close to 205 trucks carrying illegally refined petroleum products and arrested over 700 suspects and accomplices. Impressively, the corps has secured more than 345 convictions, while around 187 cases remain active in the courts.”