The Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, is scrambling to recapture 109 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State following a heavy rainstorm on Wednesday night.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS in the Federal Capital Territory, Samson Duza, the heavy rains weakened the walls of the Suleja prison and caused sections of the perimeter fence to collapse.
Seizing the opportunity, 119 inmates made their move, overpowering guards and bolted. Ten escapees have been apprehended, but the search continues for the remaining 109.
Duza assured the public that efforts are underway to recapture the inmates. He said the NCoS has activated recapture protocols and is working closely with other security agencies to track down the missing inmates.
This incident raises concerns about the infrastructure of correctional facilities in Nigeria. The ability of heavy rains to compromise the security of the Suleja Centre highlights the potential need for improved maintenance and investment in more robust prison structures.
The NCoS spokesperson stated that the authorities were aware of the dilapidated nature of correctional facilities across the country and were making efforts to ensure that all ageing facilities gave way to modern ones.
“This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria,” he said. “This also includes the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones.”
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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