A heavy rainstorm on Wednesday evening wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 118 inmates, as revealed in a statement by Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, on Thursday.
Duza explained that the downpour caused significant damage to the custodial centre's infrastructure, including breaching the perimeter fence, enabling the inmates to flee. In response, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) promptly initiated its recapturing protocols and collaborated with other security agencies to apprehend 10 of the escaped inmates. Efforts to recapture the remaining escapees are currently underway.
Acknowledging the vulnerability of aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era, Duza affirmed the NCoS's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure. The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, reassured the public that the situation was being managed and encouraged them to continue their daily activities without fear.
The public was urged 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,' published on its website. The report noted that numerous correctional facilities were grappling with a staggering 50% increase in inmate numbers beyond their intended capacity, indicating a systemic issue. Additionally, it revealed that many of these prisons, some with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, struggled to meet even the most basic standards of living.
