The tendencies of inmates in Nigeria to relapse into crime or not after release from incarceration may be influenced by the attitude of correctional officers, which has been a hindrance to effective rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates. This study investigated stakeholders' perspectives on correctional officers' attitudes as a perceived factor for recidivism in a maximum-security custodial centre in Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a phenomenological research design. Thirteen criminal justice stakeholders from Enugu, Nigeria, were interviewed, including correctional officers, inmates, ex-inmates, legal professionals, police officers, and civil society organisation practitioners. The interviews were thematically analysed. Findings indicate that participants perceive negative attitudes among correctional officers, such as corruption, punitive practices and a lack of empathy, as undermining rehabilitation and possibly reinforcing reoffending tendencies. Positive attitudes, including empathy and support for inmates' welfare, were described as rare but important for encouraging behavioural change. Participants further linked these attitudes to structural challenges, such as poor remuneration, inadequate training, and institutional neglect. The study concludes that stakeholders view correctional officers’ attitudes as an important factor shaping rehabilitation outcomes. It recommends improved training, better welfare conditions, and strengthened accountability mechanisms to promote more rehabilitative practices in custodial centres.
Nwangwu et al. (Sat,) studied this question.
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