A total of 119 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger state, escaped following heavy rainfall that caused significant damage to the facility on Wednesday night. Adamu Duza, the spokesman of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service NCoS, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday morning.
Duza explained that the heavy downpour, which lasted for several hours, destroyed parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, leading to the escape of 118 inmates. The NCoS has activated recapturing mechanisms and, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recaptured 10 fleeing inmates while continuing efforts to apprehend the rest.
Acknowledging the aging infrastructure of many correctional facilities, Duza emphasized the NCoS's commitment to replacing old structures with modern ones. This commitment is evident in the construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across Nigeria and the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing facilities.
Duza reassured the public that the NCoS is in control of the situation and urged them to continue their daily activities without fear. He also urged the public to report any suspicious movement or sightings of the fleeing inmates to the nearest security agency.
