After a recent heavy rainstorm battered the Federal Security Medium Correctional Centre in Suleja, Niger State, more than 118 inmates exploited the damage to escape from the facility. This disclosure came from the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during his weekend visit to assess the situation.
While inspecting the affected areas, the Minister witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the downpour, which had breached the facility’s fence, allowing a significant number of inmates—mostly awaiting trial, alongside a few convicted individuals—to flee.
The primary objective of the Minister’s visit was to evaluate the extent of the damage and issue directives to the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (CGS), Jafaru Ahmed, to expedite the reconstruction of the collapsed perimeter. Swift action is crucial to hasten the rehabilitation process.
In response, the Commandant of the Niger State NSCDC, Commandant Joachim Okafor, instructed the Divisional Officer of Suleja to promptly mobilize personnel under his command to reinforce security measures at the Suleja Correctional Centre. An intensive manhunt, coordinated by combined security teams, has been initiated to apprehend the escapees and return them to custody. Some escapees have already been recaptured, thanks to the vigilance of these teams deployed along various highways.
Additionally, heightened security measures have been implemented along key routes such as the Minna-Suleja and Suleja-Kaduna Highways to enhance surveillance and intercept any fugitives attempting to flee the area. The collaborative efforts of multiple security agencies underscore the determination to restore order and ensure the safety of the public.
