19 fleeing Niger inmates recaptured, 100 at large – NCoS spokesman
The Nigerian Correctional Service has so far recaptured 19 out of the 119 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State on April 24, 2024.
The spokesperson for the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this to our correspondent on Sunday.
A relentless downpour on a Wednesday night, April 24, 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 the morning of Thursday, April 25, and in the evening, another three were recaptured.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after surveying the damage caused by a severe downpour at the custodial centre in Suleja, highlighted the urgent need for reforms in over 240 custodial centres nationwide.
On April 29, three more fleeing inmates were rearrested.
Giving the latest updates on the escapees on Sunday, Umar said, “A total of 19 fleeing inmates have been recaptured so far.”
However, the spokesperson remained quiet on why the NCoS had yet to publish the images and other information on the remaining 100 fleeing inmates.
Our correspondent, who observed the website of the NCoS on Sunday evening, noticed a flash notice that read, “Escapees Alert: Recent Escapees list from MSCC Suleja.” When our correspondent attempted to click on the notice, it did not respond.
