BREAKING: 118 inmates escape as rainstorm destroys Niger prison

The Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, sustained significant damage from Wednesday night's downpour, which also made it easier for 118 prisoners to escape.

This was revealed in a statement released on Thursday and signed by Adamu Duza, the Federal Capital Territory Command spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Duza reported that the heavy rain severely damaged the infrastructure of the detention facility, including a breach in the perimeter fence that let the prisoners escape.

As a result, the NCoS moved quickly to initiate its recapturing procedures, working with other security organisations to retrieve ten of the escaped prisoners.

Sad News: BetNaija Player Wins N16.7m But Has to Pay N3m0.00 / 0.00 1 There are reportedly ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining escaping prisoners.

Duza stated that the NCoS was dedicated to updating its infrastructure, acknowledging the vulnerability of ageing facilities—many of which were constructed during the colonial era.

As per the statement, Francis John, the Controller of Corrections at FCT Command, gave assurances to the public that the situation was under control and encouraged them to continue their daily activities without any fear.

It was advised that people stay alert and notify the closest security agency of any suspicious activity or sightings of escaped prisoners.
The statement said, in part, "The Medium Security Custodial Centres in Suleja, Niger state, as well as surrounding buildings, have suffered greatly from a heavy downpour that lasted for several hours on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Parts of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, have been destroyed, allowing 118 inmates to escape from the facility.

"The service promptly triggered its recapturing procedures, and working with sister security agencies, we have so far apprehended and detained 10 escaping prisoners, with more being actively sought after.

The service is aware of the fact that many of its facilities are outdated and in poor condition because they were constructed during the colonial era. The Service is working nonstop to make sure that all outdated facilities make way for new ones.

"The public should be reassured that the service is handling the situation and that they can proceed with their regular activities without fear or obstruction," the statement continued, quoting Francis John, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command.

In the meantime, the United States has emphasised how serious the problem of overcrowding in Nigerian prisons is.

The US noted that many correctional facilities were dealing with a startling 50% increase in the number of inmates beyond their intended capacity, revealing a systemic issue, in its "2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria," which was posted on its website on Tuesday.

It also revealed that a significant percentage of these prisons, some of which had a history spanning 70 to 80 years, struggled to provide even the barest necessities for living.