NCoS Spokesman Retires, Unveils Book

Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Umar Danlami Abubakar, has retired from service after a 35-year career.

Umar ‘s exist which was celebrated during a farewell dinner in Abuja on Thursday featured the formal unveiling of his new co-authored book, “The Quintessential Correctional Officer,” written with Bashir Adamu.

Controller – general of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who led the tributes in his honour, described Umar as an officer whose intellect, character and devotion had become interwoven with the modern identity of the NCoS.

He said the gathering was “far more than a book presentation” but a moment for the service to reflect deeply on its values, “who we are, what we do, and why it matters.”

Speaking on the book, the CGC described it as a timely, thoughtful and enduring contribution to the ongoing transformation of correctional practice in Nigeria.

“To exit a service while gifting it a compass for those who will come after you is an act of profound honour. You have served well, and I wish you well,” he said.

Chairman of the retirement committee, DCG Ahmed Adagiri, said Umar’s years as the NCoS PRO helped shape a more positive and informed national perception of the service, even during its most challenging moments.

He described Umar’s communication style as calm, precise and loyal to the institution’s highest ideals.

In his remarks, Umar explained that the book was conceived as more than a technical guide but designed to interrogate the deeper purpose and philosophy of correctional work.

“This work questions assumptions, provides context and elevates the very idea of correctional practice,” he said. He emphasised that correctional officers are not merely implementers of policy but intellectual contributors capable of shaping national conversations around rehabilitation and humane justice.

“In such a complex environment, rules alone cannot guide us,” he added, “What we need and what this book attempts to offer is a philosophy rooted in service, humanity and professionalism.”

His colleagues told LEADERSHIP Weekend that as Umar steps away from formal service, his departure marks not an end, but the beginning of a legacy grounded in scholarship, mentorship and a deep commitment to the evolving identity of Nigeria’s correctional system.