Nigeria’s prison population hits 81,710 – NBS
Nigeria’s inmate population rose 16.8% from 69,946 in 2017 to 81,710 in Q2 2025, with Lagos most overcrowded at 221% capacity.
Unsentenced inmates rose to 53,790, while correctional facilities’ capacity grew to 65,035. Theft was the leading offence among 176,536 admissions in 2024.
