After 35 years of dedicated service, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar—long-time spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS)—has concluded his career, marking the moment with a retirement dinner and the unveiling of a new book in Abuja.
Addressing guests at the event on Thursday, Umar urged officers to strengthen professionalism within the Service and remain committed to the core principles that define their work.
He noted that discipline, integrity, humane engagement and intelligence-driven operations had consistently shaped the NCoS and were not mere ideas but practical values that guided daily interactions, inmate welfare and overall public safety.
The newly launched book, “The Quintessential Correctional Officer,” co-authored by Umar and Bashiru Adamu, was highlighted as a meaningful contribution to ongoing reforms in the correctional sector.
Umar said the event represented more than the celebration of a book or his retirement—describing it as an opportunity for reflection within the Service and a deeper examination of the philosophy behind correctional work.
“This is not just another book launch,” he said. “It is a reminder to pause, evaluate ourselves and renew our commitment to the guiding ideals of the Service. The book challenges assumptions, offers context and uplifts the entire understanding of correctional practice.”
He emphasised that correctional officers were not only executors of policy but also intellectual contributors capable of influencing national discussions around rehabilitation and justice reforms.
According to him, the text demonstrates how officers can still contribute meaningfully to knowledge and public discourse even after active service.
Umar explained that modern correctional institutions now operate across demanding areas such as custodial management, non-custodial measures, security responsibilities, rehabilitation, reintegration and community engagement.
He noted that such a complex environment requires more than rules alone but a guiding philosophy rooted in service, humanity and professionalism—principles which the book seeks to reinforce.
Reflecting on his retirement, he said it was significant to step down from service while presenting a resource that would help shape the culture of honour, loyalty and vision for future officers.
He encouraged personnel and partners to use the publication as a training guide, professional reference and tool for self-assessment.
In his remarks, Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, praised the authors for proving that correctional officers are not only operational officers but intellectual voices who can steer national reflections on rehabilitation, security and public service.
Nwakuche said the gathering was more than a book launch, describing it as a moment of introspection on the values, responsibilities and shifting expectations placed on correctional institutions in Nigeria.
He added that the book interrogates old assumptions, provides broader context and elevates the philosophy of correctional practice.
He explained that the growing responsibilities of the Service—ranging from custodial to non-custodial duties, security work, rehabilitation efforts, reintegration support and community involvement—demand a deeper value-based framework rather than reliance solely on procedures.
He reaffirmed the NCoS core values of discipline, humane treatment, integrity and intelligence-led operations, noting that these principles are clearly reflected in the new publication.
Nwakuche described the book as a vital tool for professional reflection and growth, particularly in a rapidly changing security and correctional environment.
Speaking further, he said Umar’s retirement was symbolic, as he left the Service only a day after handing over responsibilities but chose to leave behind a legacy of knowledge for officers coming after him.
He congratulated him for a distinguished career and wished him continued fulfilment and good health.
Nwakuche added that the impact Umar made during his years of service would continue through the insights and ideas preserved in the book, ensuring his contributions remain relevant to the Service for years to come.