Abuja, April 25, 2024 – A total of 118 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, after Wednesday night’s rain which caused substantial damage to the centre.
A statement by Adamu Duza, the Spokesman for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the Federal Capital Territory, the heavy rain damaged the infrastructure of the detention facility, including a break in the perimeter fence which enable the prisoners to escape.
The statement read:“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 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.” (GBN)
