119 Inmates Escape as Rainstorm Destroys Suleja Correctional Centre Fence

A calamitous occurrence unfolded at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, as an intense rainstorm wrought havoc upon a segment of the facility’s perimeter barrier, enabling 119 inmates to flee late Wednesday night. Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, AS Duza, verified the breach in a statement on Thursday morning, divulging that endeavors to reclaim the escaping inmates are in progress, with 10 already apprehended.
The devastation caused by the torrential downpour accentuates the frailty of the correctional centre’s infrastructure, exacerbated by its antiquated construction dating back to the colonial era. Despite ongoing endeavors to modernize and refurbish existing establishments, including the establishment of new state-of-the-art custodial centres across Nigeria, the incident underscores the pressing necessity for further enhancements and fortification to forestall future escapes.
Inhabitants of Suleja town bore witness firsthand to the devastation wrought by the rainstorm, with sections of the edifice damaged and the interior fence of the facility exposed, facilitating the escape of detainees from one of the cells. Collective security reinforcement endeavors have been mobilized to locate and apprehend the absconding prisoners, with particular emphasis on strategic outlets and precarious zones within Suleja town.
Although normalcy has been restored to Suleja town, authorities persist in their quest to recapture the remaining escaped detainees. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the hurdles confronting correctional establishments nationwide and the significance of robust security protocols to ensure public safety and forestall further breaches.
The breakout occurs at a juncture when the Federal Government is actively striving to decongest correctional centres across the country, with proposals to release 4,068 destitute detainees unable to settle their fines. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed a budget of N585 million earmarked for fine settlements, intended to facilitate the liberation of eligible detainees and alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities.
As endeavors to recapture the absconded detainees persist, authorities implore the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges confronting Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the imperative for comprehensive reforms to address infrastructural inadequacies, overcrowding, and ensure the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.