A new Controller-General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The replacement of the former prison boss was announced on Tuesday after President Buhari approved the appointment.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Bassey Akpanyung, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior.

Ahmed Ja’afaru was named the Controller-General.

Until his appointment, Ja’afaru was an Assistant Controller-General of Prisons and was serving at the Prisons Headquarters in Abuja.

Ja’afaru, whose appointment took effect from May 17, 2016, replaces Dr. Peter Ekpendu who retired from service the same date after the mandatory 35 years in service.