Kano custodial centre cholera outbreak kills two inmates

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that a cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kano State has been contained. The outbreak, which was first detected on September 17 after an inmate presented with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, resulted in two deaths. One fatality occurred at the custodial centre, while the other took place at the Kano State Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Laboratory tests conducted on September 23 by the NCoS medical team and Kano State public health authorities officially confirmed the outbreak. In response, emergency medical protocols were activated, and the NCoS has since implemented additional preventive measures in collaboration with the Kano State Government to mitigate the risk of recurrence. Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has directed senior medical personnel to provide sustained monitoring at the facility.

While the NCoS reports the outbreak is under control with no further deaths recorded since the diagnosis, Amnesty International Nigeria had previously raised concerns regarding conditions at the facility, alleging that at least six inmates had died within a single week due to the suspected outbreak.