In a spirited show of strength and camaraderie, inmates at the Goron Dutse Custodial Centre in Kano State outperformed officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a friendly tug-of-war competition held as part of ongoing rehabilitation activities.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the state, CSC Musbahu Lawan-Kofarnassarawa.
The contest took place داخل the custodial facility and was jointly organised by the NCoS and the NDLEA Kano State Command.
According to the statement, the initiative is part of broader efforts to reform and positively engage inmates, preparing them for responsible lives after release in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
The Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ahmed Yusuf-Lakpene, praised the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi-Nwakuche, for promoting recreational and rehabilitation programmes across correctional centres in the country.
He also commended the NDLEA Kano State Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, for the agency’s cooperation, especially in educating inmates about the risks associated with drug abuse.
Yusuf-Lakpene noted that the collaboration between the NCoS and NDLEA underscores their shared goal of reforming, rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into society.
The statement highlighted that the tug-of-war contest was the main attraction of the event, with inmates securing victory over the NDLEA team, showcasing coordination, endurance and improved physical fitness.
Yusuf-Lakpene further supported inmate welfare with a cash donation and reaffirmed the NCoS commitment to programmes that encourage discipline, fitness and reintegration.
Similarly, NDLEA commander Yahaya-Lawal presented a cash reward of N100,000 to the inmates in recognition of their performance, urging them to stay focused on personal growth and positive change as they prepare for life beyond the facility.