The Nigerian Correctional Service reports 1,271 offenders currently serving non-custodial sentences across the country, with community service the most common measure as authorities push alternatives to imprisonment
The Nigerian Correctional Service has reported that a total of 1,271 offenders are currently serving various non-custodial sentences across Nigeria as of 29 June 2026, according to official statistics released on Tuesday.
Of this number, 1,137 are males and 134 are females, reflecting the broader demographic patterns within the criminal justice system.
Community service remains the dominant non-custodial measure, with 1,038 offenders – 992 males and 46 females – actively engaged in it.
The figures also show 12 offenders on parole, comprising nine males and three females, while 34 individuals are serving probation sentences, including 30 males and four females.
Additionally, 162 offenders are participating in restorative justice programmes, with a relatively balanced gender split of 84 males and 78 females.
Another 25 offenders fall under other non-custodial categories.
Males account for approximately 89 per cent of the total non-custodial population, while females represent 11 per cent.
The data underscores the gradual expansion of alternative sentencing options introduced under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.
This reform replaced the former prison service framework with a more rehabilitative approach, offering measures such as community service, probation, parole and restorative justice to help decongest custodial facilities, support offender reintegration and enhance overall criminal justice administration.
The initiative aligns with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Implementation started in phases, with the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos taking early leads before spreading to other states including Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano and Plateau.
The Nigerian Correctional Service continues to encourage wider judicial adoption to ease pressure on prisons nationwide.
A senior official familiar with the programme noted that non-custodial measures not only reduce overcrowding but also promote meaningful community contributions and rehabilitation opportunities for eligible offenders.
The latest statistics highlight steady progress in shifting toward a more balanced and humane justice system, even as authorities work to scale up awareness and capacity across the country.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
