The Controller Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) Lagos State Command Mr Adewale Adebisi has stated that the Nigerian Army (NA) was the saving grace when some buildings on the premises of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre was set on fire during the #ENDSARS protest in Lagos.

Controller Adewale Adebisi made the statement during a courtesy visit on the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA Major General Lawrence Fejokwu at Headquarters 81 Division Victoria Island Lagos. He congratulated the GOC on his recent appointment while also commiserated with the GOC on the recent demise of a former GOC Major General Olubunmi Irefin.

The Controller NCS Lagos Command said the purpose of his visit to the GOC was to build on the existing relationship between the NCS and the Army. He said the Army played a major role in foiling the jail break of the Ikoyi Prisons during the October 2020 #ENDSARS Protest unlike other States where inmates broke out of prisons. He added that if not for the quick intervention of the Army, the crisis would have escalated more than it did and this would have been disastrous for the country.

The Lagos State Controller NCS further disclosed that the relationship between the NCS and the Army is inevitable and has to be strongly cemented to further enable the agency discharge its duty as expected. He expressed appreciation for the arms training the agency has been receiving from the NA which has enhance the confidence and self-esteem of personnel of the Correctional Service. He cited the weapon training he received at 82 Division which has been very useful in the professional discharge of his duties.

Controller Adebisi speaking further on soliciting for more support, said Lagos State is the economic power of the Nation and it has a high population of violent elements which has to be put under control for the society to enjoy peace. He noted that Lagos has 5 Correctional Centres with about 7,600 inmates with varying offences like kidnapping, rape and armed robbery among others. Consequently, he solicited for more support from the Division. He appealed to the GOC to deploy more troops to the Correctional Centers to assist the agency discharge its duties

Responding, the GOC said the need for security agencies to synergize to combat the current security challenges cannot be overemphasize. He said recent jail breaks in Edo and Imo States are wake up calls for security agencies to be proactive. Though he said the Division is overstretched but the it will do all within its capacity to support the NCS Lagos Command. He urged the Controller to continue to partner as a team and pool resources together to ensure safety of lives and property.