ABUJA – The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the containment of a cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano, with two inmates reported dead.
The Service said the outbreak was confirmed through laboratory investigations conducted by its medical team in collaboration with Kano State public health authorities on September 23, 2026.
According to the NCoS, the first case was detected on September 17 when an inmate developed vomiting and diarrhoea and was immediately admitted and treated at the facility’s medical centre.
The medical team activated emergency response protocols the following morning, while intensifying treatment, monitoring and disease-control measures.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, was subsequently briefed and directed that all necessary measures be sustained to safeguard the health and welfare of inmates and personnel.
The Service in a statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Corrections and Service Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji disclosed that the outbreak claimed two lives—one at the custodial centre and another at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.
Nwakuche expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, while stressing the need for continued vigilance.
The NCoS said no further death had been recorded since the outbreak was diagnosed, adding that additional preventive measures had been introduced in partnership with the Kano State Government to prevent a recurrence.
The Service also said it had strengthened disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical intervention across custodial facilities.
The statement added that the Controller-General had directed a team of senior medical personnel from the NCoS National Headquarters to visit the facility and continue monitoring the situation.
The Service reassured Nigerians that healthcare services remained available across custodial centres through qualified medical personnel.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that persons in custody are treated humanely and that their health, dignity and welfare are protected in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, and established correctional standards.
The NCoS urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official channels as it continues to monitor the situation.