The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced during his visit to the Niger custodial centre that the government plans to relocate numerous correctional facilities across the nation to enhance infrastructure and security. This comes as the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to locate and recapture more than 4,000 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. The search extends to villages, nearby towns, and Internally Displaced Persons camps.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the necessity of relocating many correctional centers to more suitable environments, citing overcrowding and outdated infrastructure as critical issues. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to reforming the correctional system and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Regarding the rainstorm disaster that led to the escape of 119 inmates, the minister attributed it to a natural calamity. He assured swift action and pledged the government’s dedication to recapturing the escapees. Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of restoring order and preventing such occurrences in other facilities.
Samson Duza, the spokesman for the Federal Capital Territory command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, reported that 119 inmates had escaped, with 14 recaptured so far. He highlighted ongoing efforts, including collaboration with various security agencies, to locate and apprehend the remaining escapees.
Duza acknowledged the challenges posed by aging correctional facilities and affirmed the service’s commitment to constructing modern custodial centers across Nigeria. He also mentioned plans to publish the names and photos of the fleeing inmates on the service’s website, soliciting public assistance in their recapture.
