The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has initiated a search for 109 out of 119 inmates who exploited the collapse of the perimeter fence of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, to escape from custody during heavy rainfall on Wednesday night.
According to a statement by the NCoS spokesperson, AS Duza, the incident occurred when the prison’s perimeter fence collapsed due to the prolonged and intense rainfall on Wednesday night, causing damage to the custodial facility and surrounding structures.
He said while 10 of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives.
According to him, the NCoS has activated its recapturing mechanisms and is collaborating with other security agencies to track down the fleeing inmates.
Part of the statement read: “The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase 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 see that all ageing facilities give way for modern ones. This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six number of 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing 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.”