Restoring the Watchtower: A Civic Solution to Prison Security Gaps

Oko Medium Security Correctional Centre in Benin, Edo State has been in a state of apprehension following the deteriorating state of its watchtower since 2023.

The facility was hit with a jailbreak during the EndSARS protest of October 2020 as hoodlums, disguised as protesters, stormed the facility to free inmates.

Still recovering from that horrific scenario which left security officers in various states of injury, a deteriorating watchtower sparked worry and fear for guards who manned the station daily.

The fear was germane as prison attacks had increased in Nigeria since then.

In 2024, the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu to set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur.

Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum from Kano State, in a motion, lamented the incessant attacks on custodial facilities of the Nigerian Correctional Service and frequent escape of inmates, saying that over 7,000 inmates escaped in 17 jailbreaks across Nigeria from September 2015 to July 2023.

The Oko Medium Security Correctional Centre plays a vital role in the justice system of Edo State and the wider South-South Geopolitical Zone.

It serves as a key correctional hub for holding pre-trial detainees and convicted inmates in the region, housing both male and female offenders under federal correctional mandates.

The facility, originally built to house 608 inmates at its commissioning on 2nd March 1988, currently has over 1,200.

Like most correctional facilities, the Oko Centre relies on the watchtower as a major security infrastructure to cover high perimeter fences and surveillance points.

Armed guards stationed at strategic points, bank on the watchtower with dedicated visual information to scout far and wide within and outside the perimeters for intruders or inmates planning to escape.

Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Henry Eromosele, Officer in Charge, Medium Security Correctional Centre (MSCC) Oko, said that due to the dilapidated watchtower roof, it was difficult for armed guards to protect the correctional facility and inmates.

“The roof of the watchtower became noticeably defective around 2023, after years of wear and exposure to harsh weather conditions.

“By June 2025, the damage had worsened to the point where the structure could no longer provide adequate shelter or serve its security function effectively.

“As a result, it was difficult for the armed guards who manned the tower to protect the prison facility and the prisoners, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

Lack of funds and bureaucracy had stalled its maintenance until an intervention by the Civic Rights Advancement & Information Initiative (CRAII), a non-governmental organisation, engaged in correctional welfare support initiatives.

National Coordinator of CRAII, Mr Andrew Akpor, said the initiative believes that the humane and functional management of correctional facilities is essential to human rights protection and prison reform.

“During one of the CRAII’s regular prison outreach and welfare assessment visits in July 2025, our team observed the deplorable state of the watchtower roof.

“Following discussions with the officer in charge of the centre and the state’s Controller of Corrections, we received a formal request highlighting the urgency of the repair.

“Addressing the facility aligned with our broader commitment to improving prison infrastructure and promoting dignity within the correctional system.

“After internal deliberation and resource assessment, CRAII resolved to undertake the project as part of its correctional welfare support initiative.”

Akpor highlighted that CRAII has a working relationship with the Nigerian Correctional Service which is built on trust and consistent intervention in inmate welfare and facility improvement.

He added that the watchtower is a key security structure; its failure poses a risk to both staff and inmates.

“The roof of the watchtower is vital to the centre’s overall security operation. It enables officers to maintain surveillance and respond promptly to incidents.

“A damaged roof hinders visibility and exposes personnel to harsh weather, making it both a security and welfare concern,” he said.

A survey by the CRAII team showed that the damaged roof affected the general security and morale within the facility.

“The following closed watchtower created anxiety among staff and a sense of vulnerability among inmates.

“The condition reflected neglect which affected the general outlook of the correctional environment,” the National Coordinator said.

The CRAII Team mobilised local artisans and materials and supervised the repair in collaboration with prison authorities to ensure security and compliance.

The work began in early August 2025 and was completed by the end of the same month to ensure it was speedy, swift and effective to deter any security breach.

Also, its construction, done during the peak of the rainy season, ensured the resources used were top notch for an effective structure devoid of substandards and tested in the harshest of weathers.

Despite the logistical constraints of working within a secured environment, CRAII ensured the project was executed to standard,” Akpor said.

Four months after the repairs, Mr Sunday Oyakhire, Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, says the impact has yielded tangible improvement in the correctional administration.

“I appreciate the CRAII for its proactive intervention and the efforts made so far in contributing to the national correctional reform goals.

“The impact has been positive. The restored watchtower has strengthened surveillance, improved officer morale, and enhanced the centre’s general appearance.

“It has also reinforced the relationship between the CRAII and the correctional service demonstrating how civil society collaboration can yield tangible improvements in correctional administrations,” Oyakhire said.

However, CRAII National Coordinator says the project was not without challenges. He highlighted some of the issues encountered during the visit and project.

“Some of the challenges faced included delay in obtaining security clearance for workers and materials.

“Unpredicted weather conditions during the repair period was also a major challenge but we ensured we pulled through and the work was done and tested.

“Unlimited funding which required reallocating resources from other planned welfare activities also was on the front burner.

“However, the challenges were managed through the facility management,” he said.

The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, expressing profound gratitude for the intervention, says it has boosted the confidence of personnel for safety and a serene environment to work to repel internal and external attacks.

The roof will shield guards effectively from any weather conditions and extreme temperatures, ensuring that they are able to focus on their jobs without being exposed to the elements.

This intervention for a reliable observation post, essential for maintaining prison security, is a call for more maintenance of correctional facilities nationwide.