<![CDATA[Trafficking within Nigerian custodial centres has become an emerging security concern that undermines the integrity of correctional institutions and threatens national security. The phenomenon includes the illegal movement of contraband items such as drugs, mobile phones, weapons, money, and other prohibited materials into custodial facilities, often facilitated through collusion involving inmates, visitors, or corrupt officials. This paper examines the implications of trafficking for correctional staff integrity, institutional security, and the effectiveness of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOs). Using a qualitative documentary research design, the study relies on secondary data obtained from scholarly journals, books, government publications, policy documents, and reports of international organizations. The findings reveal that trafficking erodes staff professionalism, promotes corruption, strengthens criminal networks within custodial centres, compromises rehabilitation programmes, and weakens public confidence in correctional institutions. The study recommends strengthening staff integrity systems, deploying modern surveillance technologies, improving staff welfare, enforcing anti-corruption measures, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to curb trafficking and improve institutional effectiveness.]]>
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