More than 100 prisoners have fled from a medium security prison in Nigeria following the destruction caused by heavy rainfall, as reported by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) in a press release on Thursday. The incident occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Suleja, Niger state, where a total of 118 inmates escaped on Wednesday night. However, authorities have managed to recapture 10 of the escaped prisoners.
The NCS revealed that the heavy rain had damaged parts of the prison facility, surrounding buildings, and the perimeter fence. The NCS further explained that the facility was old, weak, and originally built during the colonial era.
In response to the situation, the NCS assured the public that they are effectively managing the incident and urged citizens to continue with their daily activities without fear. They also requested the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movements, and assist in locating the fleeing inmates.
History of Prison Breaks in Nigeria
Prison escapes are unfortunately not uncommon in Nigeria, with several incidents occurring in recent years. In 2022, over 300 inmates broke free following a raid by Boko Haram militants on a prison in Nigeria's capital, Abuja. Authorities noted that some members of the jihadist group who were detained in the prison escaped during the raid.
A year prior, more than 200 prisoners fled a correctional facility in Kogi State after armed gunmen attacked the prison, resulting in the death of a policeman. Additionally, in Imo State, over 2000 inmates escaped during a similar attack by armed individuals who used explosives to breach the prison walls.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by the Nigerian prison system and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future jailbreaks.
