On April 24, 2024, an incident occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, following a heavy downpour. The intense rainfall led to the collapse of parts of the facility’s perimeter fence, enabling 118 inmates to escape. This breach has sparked concern for public safety and national security, especially since 31 inmates remain at large.
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) faced an unprecedented challenge when the heavy rains caused extensive damage to the Suleja Custodial Centre. The collapse of the perimeter wall provided an unexpected opportunity for inmates to escape. The incident occurred on a Wednesday night, adding to the difficulty of immediate containment and response efforts. Despite the best efforts of the authorities, 118 inmates managed to flee the facility.
The Names of the Inmates are Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kelly, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, Ayuba Obedience, and Lamido Gambo, Tasiu Mohammed, Philip Ola, Mohammed Lawal, Buba Bello, Biyo Flamingo, Onyedikachi Emeka, Augustine Uden, Gambo Lamido, Sani Muhajid, Abubakar Hashiru, Haruna Salisu, Solomon Gkwangurum, and Aliyu Ismaila.
- RELATED:
- Adamawa State Government Frees 344 Inmates in Correctional Centers
- How Dogs Are Better Fed than Prisoners In Nigeria
- Delayed Justice, Administrative Violation of Human Right in Nigeria
- FG Decongest Facility Frees 150 Inmates in Kano
Since the escape, the NCoS has been working tirelessly to recapture the fugitives. Service Spokesman ACC Abubakar Umar announced that numerous escapees had already been recaptured. However, 31 inmates are still at large, prompting the NCoS to take additional measures. In an effort to expedite the recapture process, the Service has published the identities of some of the escapees. This step aims to engage both sister security agencies and the general public in the search efforts.
The NCoS has emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in this matter. The escapees are considered a threat to public safety, and the Service has urged anyone who sights any of the fugitives to report immediately to the nearest security agency. The public can also contact the NCoS directly through the following phone numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006. Additionally, reports can be made via email at info@corrections.gov.ng or complaintsresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng. The involvement of the public is seen as essential in ensuring the swift recapture of the remaining fugitives.
In the wake of this incident, the NCoS has deployed both overt and covert strategies to track down and recapture all escapees. The Service has also taken steps to enhance security measures at custodial facilities nationwide. These improvements are aimed at preventing any future breaches and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. By bolstering security, the NCoS seeks to maintain the integrity of its facilities and protect the public.
ACC Abubakar Umar, in a detailed statement, outlined the steps being taken to manage the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future. He reiterated the need for vigilance and cooperation from all sectors of society to ensure that the escapees are brought back to custody. The publication of the escapees’ information is a critical part of this effort, designed to engage the public actively in the recapture process. Umar assured the public that the NCoS is committed to deploying all necessary resources to resolve the situation promptly.
The escape of 118 inmates from the Suleja Custodial Centre serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can be exposed by natural events. The NCoS’s proactive measures and public engagement are crucial steps in addressing the immediate threat posed by the escapees and strengthening the overall security framework of the nation’s correctional facilities. The public’s role in reporting sightings and providing information cannot be overstated in this ongoing effort to maintain safety and order.
RELATED: Nigeria Correctional Service Registers Inmates for NECO in Enugu
