The Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has debunked tabloid newspaper reports that claimed that 26,000 children are being held in custodial centres across Nigeria.

UGAMATV recalls a report published on June 2, 2025, by a national tabloid that alleged that 26,000 children are being held in custodial centres across Nigeria.

Reacting to the publication on Wednesday, NCoS National Public Relations Officer Abubakar Umar described the publications as false and baseless, adding that in line with national and international legal standards, NCoS does not admit children into custodial centres.

“The Service categorically refutes this baseless and unfounded report and views it as a gross misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the public and undermining the credibility of the Service,” he said.

According to the law establishing Nigeria Correctional Services and the Child Rights Act, 2003, any individual identified as a child (below the age of 18) is handled under a separate juvenile justice system.