The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over the circulation of fraudulent contract offers allegedly linked to the Service, describing the development as a coordinated scam aimed at defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement released in Abuja, the NCoS said it had uncovered fake documents, particularly one titled “Payment/Mobilisation Request Form,” being distributed by individuals posing as government officials and representatives of the Service.
The agency stressed that it does not engage contractors or award projects through unofficial channels, urging citizens to disregard such documents and avoid making any payments to individuals or groups claiming to act on its behalf.
According to the statement, the fraudulent scheme involves requests for advance payments under the guise of facilitating contract approvals, mobilisation fees, or administrative processing—practices the Service described as “entirely alien” to its operational procedures.
“The general public is advised to verify all contract-related communications directly with the Service through official channels. The NCoS does not request or receive payments from contractors outside established government processes,” it stated.
The Service reaffirmed that all its procurement activities are conducted in strict compliance with extant public procurement laws and are duly advertised through recognised government platforms.
It further warned that those found perpetrating the scam would be tracked and prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that security agencies had been notified to investigate the matter.
The NCoS also called on victims and members of the public who encounter such fraudulent offers to report promptly to law enforcement authorities.
