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By Ismaila Adeyemi
A severe downpour on Wednesday night caused significant damage to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 118 inmates.
The incident was confirmed by the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service in a statement released on Thursday.
According to the spokesperson, Adamu Duza, the heavy rain caused extensive damage to the facility’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing the inmates to flee. The NCoS swiftly activated its recapturing protocols, working with other security agencies to recover 10 of the escaped inmates. Efforts to recapture the remaining inmates are ongoing.
The statement acknowledged the vulnerability of aging facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, and assured that the NCoS is committed to modernizing its infrastructure. The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
The statement read in part: “A heavy downpour…has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state…destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates…The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms…and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates…while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.”
“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.”
“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”
