By Kenneth Madaki
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has enrolled 379 inmates across custodial centres in the FCT into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Health Insurance Scheme as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare for persons in custody.
The enrollment exercise, which was accompanied by a free medical outreach programme, was conducted at the Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa custodial centres, with the official flag-off held at the Kuje Custodial Centre.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, describing the initiative as a major step towards advancing healthcare reforms within the correctional system.
According to the statement by its spokesman, A.S Duza, the programme aligns with the reform agenda of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, aimed at ensuring the inclusion of inmates in health insurance schemes nationwide.
Duza noted that the initiative would guarantee sustained access to essential healthcare services for inmates during incarceration and after their release, thereby supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
“During the outreach, inmates and correctional personnel received blood pressure checks, blood glucose testing, malaria screening, eye examinations and medical consultations.
A total of 180 prescriptions were filled, while more than 100 inmates benefited from optometry services and eye screenings. Reading glasses were also distributed to beneficiaries,” the statement added.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the programme reflected the commitment of the FCT Administration to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“This event stands as a testament to our collective mission to achieve Universal Health Coverage, a mandate that emphasises the principle of leaving no one behind,” Fasawe said.
“By offering free health checks, we are not only attending to medical needs but also fostering dignity and respect. Through this outreach across Kuje, Suleja and Dukpa Custodial Centres, we are breaking the cycle of neglect and marginalisation often faced by this vulnerable population.”
Also speaking, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the initiative.
He described the enrollment of inmates into the BHCPF as a significant milestone in correctional administration and inmate welfare.
“This enrollment into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and the accompanying medical outreach demonstrate that rehabilitation extends beyond confinement,” Jen said.
“Access to quality healthcare is fundamental to human dignity and contributes significantly to the reformation, rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates into society.”
He added, “The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to strengthening partnerships that promote humane custody and improve the well-being of all persons entrusted to our care.”
The correctional service said the programme underscored growing collaboration between the FCT Administration and the Nigerian Correctional Service in advancing correctional reforms and ensuring access to essential healthcare services for inmates in the nation’s capital.
Fake nurse caught filming newborns in Anambra clinic, rescued from mob
The Anambra State Police Command says it has launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged child trafficking ring following the rescue of a 37-year-old female suspect from an angry mob in the Awada area of Obosi.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Thursday, the suspect, identified as Anurika Nweme, was intercepted by police operatives attached to the Awada Divisional Headquarters at Divine Mercy Hospital, where eyewitnesses said she had infiltrated on Tuesday.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect on the afternoon of 23rd June 2026 allegedly gained access to the hospital premises disguised in attire resembling that of a nurse and was observed making secret video recordings of newborn babies in the maternity ward.
“When questioned by hospital staff and other persons present, she reportedly claimed to be an employee of the hospital. However, upon verification, the management of the Hospital confirmed that she was not a member of its staff,” Ikenga wrote.
He added that she was rescued from an angry mob by the policemen and has been placed in protective custody to ensure her safety while the case undergoes administrative profiling.
“The suspect is currently in protective custody and assisting the investigating police officers in identifying others involved.
“Further developments on the investigation will be communicated as they unfold,” he concluded.
The incident comes amid a broader regional crackdown on illegal adoption and child trafficking operations.
PUNCH reports that operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command recently intercepted a bus conveying three missing children and arrested two suspected child traffickers in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state.
Similarly, following a discreet investigation after receiving reports from members of the public, the Rivers State Government has shut down five hospitals and a patent medicine store across the state over alleged child trafficking, illegal medical practices, and other offences, arresting seven suspects, including some facility operators.