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A torrential downpour on Wednesday night 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.
According to a statement by Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the rainstorm caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including breaching the perimeter fence, allowing the inmates to flee.
In response, the Nigerian Correctional Service swiftly activated its recapturing protocols and collaborated with other security agencies to recover 10 of the escaped inmates. Efforts to recapture the remaining fleeing inmates are ongoing.
Acknowledging the vulnerability of aging facilities, many of which were built during the colonial era, Duza stated that the Nigerian Correctional Service is committed to modernizing its infrastructure.
Francis John, Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, assured the public that the situation was under control and urged them to carry on with their daily activities without fear. He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of escaped inmates to the nearest security agency.
Meanwhile, the United States has highlighted the significant challenge of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons in its ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria.’ The report revealed a systemic issue of numerous correctional facilities grappling with a staggering 50 per cent increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity. Additionally, it noted difficulties faced by some prisons, with histories dating back 70 to 80 years, in meeting fundamental standards of living.
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