119 prisoners broke out from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State following a rainstorm that caused damage to part of the facility on Wednesday.
A severe thunderstorm on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024 caused extensive damage to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, and nearby structures. Portions of the custodial facility, including the perimeter fence, were destroyed, allowing a total of 119 inmates to escape, as reported by the Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, AS Duza, in a statement on Thursday morning.
He mentioned that more resources are now being dedicated to recovering the escaped prisoners, and 10 of them have already been apprehended.
“The Service has quickly put into action its recapturing procedures and, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully detained 10 escaped inmates. They are currently in pursuit of the remaining escapees.
Duza, mentioned that the building was constructed in the colonial period and is antiquated and fragile. Nevertheless, he stated that there are ongoing attempts to modernize the facilities.
As proof of this, he mentioned the current building of six modern custodial centers with a 3000-person capacity in each geo-political zone in Nigeria.
Duza also highlighted the ongoing rebuilding and refurbishing of current facilities.
He urged the public to share any concerning activities with the nearest security agency.
