DEPLOYMENT OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY AS A VIABLE STRATEGY FOR MONITORING AND MITIGATING CRIME IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES IN NIGERIA: A PANACEA FOR REFORMATION

Abstract

The Nigerian correctional system faces persistent challenges, including rising incidents of internal crime, violence, frequent jailbreaks, and inadequate rehabilitation mechanisms. These issues undermine efforts toward restorative justice, effective rehabilitation, and the social reintegration of inmates across correctional centres in the country. This paper critically examines the deployment of surveillance technology as a strategic intervention for monitoring and mitigating crime in Nigerian correctional centres. It explores the current state of correctional facilities and evaluates how tools such as closed-circuit television (CCTV), biometric access control, artificial intelligence– powered monitoring, and communication surveillance can enhance security and reduce criminal activities within prison environments. The study is anchored in the reformation theory of punishment and relies on secondary data sources. Findings reveal that the Nigerian correctional system is burdened by longstanding structural and operational challenges that hinder its ability to fulfil its core mandates of justice, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. These challenges include inadequate funding, overcrowding and congestion, security lapses, and frequent jailbreaks. Overcrowding, in particular, fosters tension, increases the likelihood of violence, and makes effective supervision nearly impossible without technological support. The absence of adequate surveillance technology significantly limits the capacity to monitor inmate behaviour, investigate violations of prison regulations by both inmates and staff, and ensure adherence to professional standards. The paper recommends a technology-driven reform agenda that integrates modern surveillance systems into correctional management, supports restorative justice, and enhances the preparation of inmates for meaningful social reintegration upon completion of their sentences.