Kano's Kurmawa Prison: Cholera Outbreak Claims Two Inmate Lives

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the unfortunate demise of two inmates at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre located in Kano State. This confirmation came via an official statement released by the Service on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

According to Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, the NCoS spokesman, a laboratory investigation on September 23 conclusively identified a cholera outbreak within the facility. The initial signs of the illness were observed on September 17, when an inmate presented with severe symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. This individual was promptly admitted to the prison's medical centre for treatment, and emergency health protocols were immediately activated the following morning to mitigate further spread.

The NCoS indicated that its swift intervention has successfully brought the infectious disease under control, emphasizing that no additional fatalities have been recorded since the initial diagnosis. The statement from the Service affirmed, "The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that a recent outbreak of cholera at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kano, has been contained." Both the NCoS medical team at the facility and the Kano State Public Health authorities corroborated the outbreak through laboratory tests.

Upon being informed of the situation, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, pcc, issued directives for all necessary measures to be sustained to safeguard the well-being, health, and lives of both inmates and personnel. The Service expressed profound regret over the two lives lost, noting that one inmate passed away within the facility while the other succumbed at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital. Controller-General Nwakuche extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved.

The coordinated efforts, which included intensive medical intervention and continuous monitoring, were instrumental in containing the outbreak. Furthermore, the Service has implemented additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government, aiming to avert similar occurrences in the future.

The NCoS assured the public of the availability of quality healthcare services across all custodial facilities, staffed by qualified medical professionals. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, early detection mechanisms, and prompt medical response in partnership with relevant public health agencies. To ensure continuous oversight, the Controller-General has dispatched a team of senior medical personnel from the Service's National Headquarters to the Kurmawa facility. The NCoS reiterated its unwavering commitment to treating all persons in custody humanely, protecting their health, dignity, and welfare in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards. The Service also thanked the public for their concern and urged them to rely on official channels for verified information and updates.