Abia moves to free minor offenders as Otti boosts security for festive season

Abia State Governor Alex Otti says his administration is stepping up security across the state ahead of the Yuletide while also reviewing cases of inmates convicted for minor offences to determine those who may qualify for a year-end pardon.

The governor gave the update during his monthly media briefing in Umuahia, where he urged residents to remain alert as travel and commercial activities increase during the holiday period. He stressed that security agencies have intensified joint operations, with regular intelligence-sharing meetings taking place between the state and various service commanders.

A fresh push to decongest correctional centres

Otti explained that the government is working closely with the Nigerian Correctional Service to reassess inmates’ records after earlier attempts to issue pardons yielded no candidates. According to him, the state previously reviewed the profiles of more than 1,900 inmates but found that all had been convicted for serious offences, leaving no room to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

He said he has now directed the Zonal Commandant to undertake a new round of assessments, noting that the state wants to ensure that individuals serving time for lesser violations are not overlooked, especially as the government rolls out its end-of-year interventions.

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The governor added that although correctional centres fall under the Federal Government, his administration remains invested in improving conditions because most inmates are Abia residents. He cited ongoing support projects, including the construction of perimeter fencing and a new holding facility designed to reduce overcrowding in existing cells.

Call for vigilance as festive activities peak

Otti also appealed to the public to play an active role in ensuring a safe holiday period. He said the government’s security strategy relies heavily on community intelligence and early reporting of suspicious movements, especially in urban centres expected to experience heavier traffic in December.

“We are doing everything possible to maintain a secure environment, but information from citizens is crucial,” he said, urging residents to prioritise their personal safety and cooperate with security agencies.

With new security deployments, expanded surveillance, and a renewed effort to identify inmates eligible for leniency, the state government says it is preparing both reinforcement and relief measures as the year draws to a close.