This is as the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said, when he visited the Niger custodial centre, that the government would relocate many correctional centres across the country in order to create better infrastructure and security.
The Nigerian government recently announced an extension of its search and recapture efforts for the 4000 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. The search now encompasses villages, nearby towns, and Internally Displaced Persons camps, as revealed by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during his visit to the Niger custodial centre. This decision comes in response to a rainstorm disaster that ravaged the prison facility, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates.
The government’s response also includes plans to relocate numerous correctional centres across the country to enhance infrastructure and security. Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity of relocating overcrowded correctional facilities to more conducive environments. He underscored the government’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Addressing the media after inspecting the damage at Niger Correctional Centre, Minister Tunji-Ojo attributed the incident to a natural disaster and assured swift action to recapture the escaped inmates. He highlighted the urgent need for reforms across the nation’s over 240 custodial centres, emphasizing the importance of restoring order and preventing future occurrences.
Meanwhile, Samson Duza, spokesman for the Federal Capital Territory command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, provided updates on the recapture efforts, revealing that 14 out of the 119 escaped inmates had been apprehended. The service has activated recapturing mechanisms in collaboration with other security agencies, with intensive efforts underway to locate and detain the remaining escapees.
Acknowledging the aging infrastructure of many custodial centres, Duza emphasized ongoing efforts to construct new facilities and renovate existing ones. The construction of six 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across all geopolitical zones is currently underway, reflecting the service’s commitment to modernization and improvement.
In response to the escape, the Nigerian Correctional Service plans to publish the names and pictures of the fleeing inmates on its website, facilitating public awareness and collaboration in recapturing efforts. Collaborative efforts between intelligence officers, armed squadron officers, and various security agencies are underway to track down the remaining escapees, demonstrating a coordinated approach to restoring order and security.