A severe rainstorm on Wednesday night caused significant damage to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in the escape of 118 inmates. According to a statement released by Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the heavy rainfall compromised the facility’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing the inmates to flee.
Correctional services officers attempted to recapture the escapees, managing to re-arrest 10 individuals. The authorities have activated emergency recapture protocols and are working in conjunction with other security agencies to apprehend the remaining inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service acknowledged that many of its facilities are aging and in need of modernization, stating that efforts are underway to upgrade and replace outdated infrastructure.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, has assured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens to continue with their daily activities without fear or disruption.
A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility,” the statement reads.
It continues: “The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, 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,” the statement added.
