No fewer than 119 inmates broke free from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger state, following an intense rainstorm that battered the facility late Wednesday night. Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, revealed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday morning.
Duza described how the torrential downpour, lasting several hours, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre and nearby structures. The destructive force of the storm compromised parts of the facility’s infrastructure, including its perimeter fence, facilitating the escape of 118 detainees.
In response, the Correctional Service swiftly activated its recapture protocols, collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to pursue the fleeing inmates. As of now, authorities have successfully apprehended 10 escapees and placed them back into custody, with efforts ongoing to locate and recapture the remaining fugitives.
Acknowledging the antiquity and vulnerability of many correctional facilities, particularly those constructed during the colonial era, Duza emphasized the Service’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to construct six state-of-the-art custodial centers nationwide, each capable of accommodating 3000 inmates, as well as the renovation of existing facilities.
Despite the escape, Duza reassured the public of the Correctional Service’s vigilance and urged citizens to carry on with their daily activities without fear.
He urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or sightings of the escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
