A heavy downpour on Wednesday night severely damaged the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in the escape of 118 inmates.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, confirmed this in a statement released on Thursday.
Duza explained that the downpour caused extensive damage to the facility, including breaching the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Correctional Service swiftly activated its recapturing protocols and collaborated with other security agencies to recapture 10 of the escaped inmates. Efforts to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates are currently ongoing.
Acknowledging the vulnerability of ageing facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza stated that the Nigerian Correctional Service is committed to modernizing its infrastructure.
The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, reassured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to continue with their daily activities without fear.
The public was also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
Meanwhile, the United States highlighted the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons in its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria.’
The report, published on its website on Tuesday, noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, indicating a systemic issue.
Additionally, it disclosed that a notable proportion of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, faced difficulties in meeting even the most fundamental standards of living.
