The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) says the cholera outbreak at the Kano Custodial Centre has been contained following laboratory confirmation on September 23, 2026, in collaboration with Kano State public health authorities.
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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that a recent cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano has been contained.
The outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigation on September 23, 2026, by the NCoS medical team at the facility in collaboration with the Kano State Public Health authorities.
The Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
According to the statement, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, was immediately briefed and directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the lives, health and welfare of inmates and personnel.
The Service said it regrets that the outbreak claimed two lives — one at the facility and another at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.
The Controller-General extended his condolences over the loss of lives.
The incident was first detected on September 17, 2026, when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the centre’s medical facility.
By the following morning, the medical team had activated emergency medical protocols while intensifying treatment and monitoring.
The Service said the coordinated interventions successfully brought the outbreak under control, adding that no further mortality has been recorded since the diagnosis.
It said additional preventive measures have also been initiated in collaboration with the Kano State Government as part of efforts to prevent future occurrences.
The NCoS reassured the public that healthcare services remain available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel, while continuous disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical response are being strengthened in collaboration with relevant public health authorities.
The Controller-General has also directed a team of senior medical personnel from the Service’s National Headquarters to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring of the situation.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to ensuring that all persons in custody are treated humanely, with their health, dignity and welfare protected in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards.
The Service appreciated the concern expressed by members of the public and encouraged reliance on verified information disseminated through official channels as it continues to provide timely updates where necessary.
