Rainstorm Damages Niger Prison, Enabling 118 Prisoners To Flee

AFTER torrential rainstorm on Wednesday, April 24, severely damaged the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, and allowed no fewer than 118 prisoners to escape.

The Nigerian Correctional Service's Federal Capital Territory Command spokesperson, Adamu Duza, made this claim in a statement on Thursday, April 25.

Duza clarified that because of the significant damage to the surrounding fence caused by the storm, convicts were able to escape the correctional center.

Reacting swiftly, the Nigerian Correctional Service collaborated with other security organizations to capture ten of the escaped prisoners using recapture processes.

The remaining fugitive prisoners are currently being sought after and captured.

Recognizing that many of the NCOS's older facilities were built during the colonial era, Duza underlined the organization's commitment to updating its infrastructure.

Francis John, the FCT Command's Controller of Corrections, also urged the public to continue their normal routines without fear, assuring them that the situation was under control.

The statement said, “A heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, has wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centres, Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, destroying parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of 118 inmates of the facility.

“The service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunction with sister security agencies, has so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot pursuit to recapture the rest.

“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and that they are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all aging facilities give way to modern ones.

“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance.”