The Nigerian Correctional Service has apprehended 16 of the 119 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State last week.
The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed this to our correspondent on Monday.
Chronicle NG reports that a heavy downpour on Wednesday night wreaked havoc on the Suleja custodial centre, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 119 inmates.
The downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.
Ten fleeing inmates were re-arrested on Thursday morning, and in the evening, another three were recaptured.
After examining the damage caused by a severe downpour at the Suleja prison camp, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasised the urgent need for reforms in over 240 detention centres around the country.
Tunji-Ojo vowed that the Federal Government would do everything possible to apprehend the other escaped convicts.
Giving the most recent reports on the escapees, Umar stated, “An additional three fleeing inmates have been recaptured, making a total of 16 inmates.”
However, the spokeswoman declined to explain why the NCoS has not released the pictures and other information on the other 103 fleeing detainees.
On Monday evening, our reporter examined the NCoS website and noticed a flash notice reading, “Escape Alert: Recent Escapees List from MSCC Suleja.”
Our reporter attempted to click on the warning, but it did not reply.
When our correspondent contacted a top official at the NCoS headquarters, he claimed that the delay was caused by technical concerns.
He said, “The delay is a result of technical challenges and a lack of maintenance on the website. The NCoS is working to address the situation.”
