A rainstorm on Wednesday night wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates. Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, AS Duza, confirmed the incident, stating that efforts are underway to recapture the fleeing inmates, with 10 already back in custody.
The facility, constructed during the colonial era, suffered damage due to the heavy rain, particularly to its perimeter fence. Despite its aged infrastructure, ongoing efforts aim to modernize and upgrade correctional facilities nationwide.
Residents reported that the rainstorm caused damage to the building and exposed vulnerable areas, facilitating the escape of inmates. Security reinforcements managed to apprehend some escapees and continue to search key areas for the remaining fugitives.
While calm has returned to Suleja town, efforts to locate and retrieve escaped prisoners persist. This incident occurs amidst government initiatives to alleviate congestion in correctional centers, including plans to release over 4,000 indigent inmates nationwide by covering their fines with a fund totaling N585 million.
