Updated: 10 Inmates Of Suleja Prison Recaptured, 109 Others At Large — NCoS

A total of 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre on Wednesday night following a torrential downpour that caused significant damage to the facility’s perimeter fence.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the incident, and authorities are now in full pursuit of the escapees. The heavy rainfall, which wreaked havoc across the facility and surrounding buildings, is believed to be the primary cause of the breach.

Sampson Duza, Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the NCoS, stated that so far, 10 of the escapees have been recaptured and returned to custody. He noted that the Service has initiated a full-scale recapture operation in collaboration with other security agencies to bring the remaining inmates back into custody.

“A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, 24 April 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger State, destroying part of the facility, including its perimeter fence, allowing the escape of a total of 119 inmates,” Duza explained.

The NCoS is working diligently to address the incident and is implementing measures to prevent future escapes. The Service acknowledges that many of its facilities are outdated and in need of modernization. To this end, it has initiated the construction of six 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, along with the renovation and reconstruction of existing facilities.

Duza urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to local security agencies, stating that the Service is “on top of the situation.” He also reassured residents that their safety is a top priority, and they should continue with their daily activities without fear.

Authorities continue their search for the remaining escapees, and further updates are expected as the recapture efforts progress.