President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres from urban areas to more secure locations, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced on Friday.
Speaking at the unveiling of new operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the importance of this move in strengthening security and reforming the correctional system.
“The approval has been given for the relocation of 29 correctional centres from urban areas to more suitable locations,” he said.
The decision follows a troubling pattern of jailbreaks in recent years. Reports indicate that between October 28, 2019, and April 25, 2024, at least 6,356 inmates have escaped from correctional facilities across Nigeria. These incidents raise significant concerns about the country’s prison security and public safety.
High-profile prison breaks have underscored the urgency of reforms. On October 28, 2019, flooding breached Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, enabling the escape of 122 inmates.
Other major jailbreaks include the Mandala Prison escape in Kwara State (January 2, 2022), the Agbor Prison breach in Delta State (May 13, 2022), and the Ijebu Ode Correctional Centre breakout in Ogun State (December 26, 2023).
The latest incident, occurring on April 25, 2024, in Suleja, Niger State, saw 108 inmates escape, further exposing security weaknesses in the prison system.
Authorities are now prioritising the relocation plan to prevent future breaches and enhance public safety. “Addressing security lapses in our correctional facilities is crucial to national stability,” Tunji-Ojo said.
