NSCDC Advocates Alternative Dispute Resolution To Decongesting Prisons

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has proffered solutions to the congestion of prisons in Nigeria.

The Commandant of the Osun Command of the corps, Emmanuel Ocheja, asked members of the public to opt for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) while resolving non-criminal cases of conflicts, saying it is one of the ways to decongest correctional facilities in Nigeria.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a meditative approach to solving disputes out of court.

Represented by the Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC), Adeoti Joseph, Ocheja made the call in Osogbo at the state command headquarters of the NSCDC at the refresher training organised for Peace and Conflict Management desk officers serving at the Area Commands, Divisional Offices and outpost.

According to DCC Adeoti, the training was to equip the Alternative Dispute Resolution unit with peace-building, mediations and conflict management techniques.

While giving an overview on Peace and Conflict Management, the Head of Unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Abere Oluwafemi said “the unit deemed it fit to organise the refresher training for its personnel as conflicts are an integral part of modern societies.” ACC Abere said residents of Osun State must learn to live together, irrespective of their differences.

He explained further that peace has to do with freedom from disturbance, and where there is breach of the peace, mediation should be used to resolve conflicts between willing parties as stated in NSCDC (Amendment) Act 2007.