Crime

Suleja Jail Break: Dilapidated Prison Facilities in Nigeria Pose Grave Threat to Inmates.

The prison facility in Suleja, Niger State, was built during the colonial era, and its exact construction date may vary depending on historical records. The state of prison infrastructure in Nigeria is a growing concern, with ageing facilities posing significant threats to inmate safety and security. Recent escapes, such as the breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, underscore the severity of the crisis. Dilapidated structures weaken security measures, making it easier for inmates to escape and exposing them to various risks. Urgent action is needed to address this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals across the country.

Published

1 week ago

April 25, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Dilapidated Prison Facilities: Suleja prison escape

Following intense rainfall on Wednesday night, a breach occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates.

The incident, attributed to the significant damage caused by the heavy downpour, was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), in a statement released Thursday morning.

According to Duza, the rainfall weakened the custodial centre’s structural integrity, destroying parts of its walls. Exploiting this damage, inmates managed to escape the facility.

The NCoS swiftly activated recapturing mechanisms in collaboration with sister security agencies. As a result, 10 fleeing inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining escapees.

The incident underscores the vulnerability of ageing correctional facilities, many built during the colonial era and now deemed old and weak. In response, the NCoS is intensifying efforts to replace these outdated facilities with modern ones.

Ageing Infrastructure in Correctional Centres Raises Concerns Amid Escapes and Safety Risks

The construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres is underway across all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, alongside the reconstruction and renovation of existing facilities. Despite the escape, the NCoS assures the public that it remains vigilant and capable of managing the situation, urging citizens to report any sightings of the fleeing inmates to the nearest security agency.

The incident in Suleja also highlights the broader issue of dilapidated structures within Nigeria’s correctional system. Over the years, many correctional centres across the country have suffered from neglect, with ageing infrastructure posing significant challenges to security and inmate management.

The deteriorating conditions not only compromise the safety of inmates and staff but also undermine the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts. Recognizing the urgent need for infrastructure improvement, the NCoS has embarked on various initiatives to address the issue, including constructing modern custodial centres and renovating existing facilities.

However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional system and the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure and security measures.

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