Kano Prison Cholera Outbreak : NCoS Confirms Two Deaths, Says Crisis Contained

In a swift response to revelations about the Kano Prison Cholera Outbreak, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed two inmate deaths, while declaring the outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre contained.

The confirmation came barely few hours on September 26, following an earlier alarm raised by Amnesty International over suspected cholera deaths at the facility.

While Amnesty International had reported that at least six inmates died within one week and warned that the number could be higher, the NCoS gave a different official figure, confirming two deaths linked to the outbreak.

The Correctional Service, in a statement by its public relations officer , Chief Superintendent Jane Osuji explained that one of the victims died at the custodial centre, while the second died at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.

The NCoS said laboratory investigations conducted by its medical team in conjunction with Kano State public health authorities confirmed the cholera outbreak on September 23, 2026.

The outbreak, it disclosed, was first detected on September 17, when an inmate presented with vomiting and diarrhoea.

,”He was immediately admitted and treated at the centre’s medical facility.

By the following morning, the NCoS said its medical team had activated emergency medical protocols, intensified treatment and commenced enhanced monitoring to prevent further spread of the disease.

The Service said the measures have since brought the outbreak under control, stressing that no further mortality has been recorded since the diagnosis.

According to Osuji, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who was briefed immediately after the outbreak was detected, directed that all necessary measures be sustained to protect the lives and welfare of inmates and personnel.

Nwakuche also expressed condolences over the deaths and ordered a team of senior medical personnel from the Service’s National Headquarters to proceed to the facility for sustained monitoring.

The Service said healthcare services remain available across custodial facilities through qualified medical personnel, while disease surveillance, early detection and prompt medical response are being strengthened in partnership with relevant public health authorities.

While further reaffirming its commitment to treating persons in custody humanely and protecting their health, dignity and welfare in accordance 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 monitoring of the situation continues.

LEADERSHIP reports that the development followed Amnesty International’s public warning that authorities should immediately declare an emergency at the century-old Kurmawa facility and urgently transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals.

The rights organisation had also raised concerns about overcrowding, inadequate healthcare and the condition of awaiting-trial inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities.

KEY FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE KANO PRISON CHOLERA OUTBREAK:

1. First suspected case was detected at Kurmawa on September 17

2.The NCoS Cholera outbreak laboratory-confirmed outbreak on September 23

3. Two Deaths: Confirmed by the NCoS.

4..Sic deaths: Earlier figure alleged by Amnesty International.

5. No further mortality: Reported by NCoS since diagnosis.

6.Senior medical team: Ordered to Kano for continued monitoring.

7.Preventive measures: Being implemented with the Kano State Government.