Barely hours after a major escape from the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State, joint efforts between security operatives and members of the community have led to the re-arrest of fifty out of the one hundred and eighteen escaped inmates.
The escape occurred after heavy rainfall on Wednesday, April 24, caused significant damage to the facility’s infrastructure, particularly the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.
In response, the Nigerian Correctional Service swiftly activated recapture procedures, collaborating with other security agencies to apprehend ten of the escapees initially.
Ongoing efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives.
The spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Adamu Duza, emphasized the service’s commitment to upgrading aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era, to ensure better security standards.
Controller of Corrections for the FCT Command, Francis John, had earlier assured the public that the situation was under control and encouraged them to resume normal activities without fear.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activities related to the escapees to the nearest security agency.
The heavy downpour severely damaged the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, resulting in the escape of 118 inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has re-arrested fifty of these escapees through joint efforts with security operatives and the community.
Meanwhile, ongoing efforts are in place to recapture the remaining escapees.
However, the NCoS reaffirms its commitment to upgrading infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future.
