National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A heavy rainfall on wednesday night caused significant damage to the Medium Security Custodial Center in Suleja, Niger State, leading to the escape of 118 inmates.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Federal Capital Territory Command, Adamu Duza, confirmed this information in an official statement released on Thursday.
In light of the situation, the NCoS quickly initiated its recapturing procedures, working alongside other security agencies to retrieve 10 of the escaped inmates. Ongoing efforts are in place to recapture the rest of the fleeing inmates.
Duza recognized the commitment of the NCoS to upgrading its infrastructure, understanding the challenges posed by aging facilities, a significant number of which date back to the colonial era.
The Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Francis John, urged the public to stay alert and report any sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
He assured them that the situation was under control and encouraged them to continue with their daily activities without fear.
The statement reads, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centers, 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 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 Service wishes to assure the public that it is on top of the situation and that they should go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.
“The public is further enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency,” the statement added.
