At the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, a substantial breach occurred when 119 inmates escaped following a prolonged heavy rainfall that damaged the facility on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Adamu Duza, the spokesman for the FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), reported that the intense downpour compromised the integrity of the facility’s perimeter fence among other structures, facilitating the inmates’ escape.
In response, the NCoS promptly initiated its inmate recapture procedures, collaborating with other security agencies. To date, they have successfully recaptured 10 of the escaped inmates. Efforts continue to locate and return the remaining fugitives.
Duza acknowledged the challenges posed by the age of many correctional facilities, which were constructed during the colonial era and are now deteriorating. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading these facilities, including the construction of six new ultra-modern custodial centers, each with a capacity of 3000 inmates, across Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Additionally, renovations and reconstructions are underway at existing facilities.
The NCoS reassured the public of their control over the situation, urging citizens to continue their daily activities without fear. They also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of the fugitives to the nearest security agencies.