At least 118 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, in northern Nigeria, have reportedly escaped from the prison facility after a heavy downpour on Wednesday night wreaked havoc on the center.
Spokesman for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Adamu Duza, who confirmed the prison break to journalists on Thursday, said the downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
Duza, however, noted that the the NCoS acted swiftly by activating its recapturing protocols and with the collaboration of other security agencies, were able to recapture 10 of the escaped inmates, while efforts to rearrest the remaining fleeing inmates are ongoing.
“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 said.
“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.
Duza further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.