Months after over 180 inmates escaped the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has published the identities of those that escaped.
This incident dates back to April 2024.
That was when a heavy rainfall damaged the perimeter fence of the centre.
This paved the way for over 180 inmates to escape from the prison.
However, on Thursday, July 19, that was when the Nigerian Correctional Service published the identities of those who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre.
While some were recaptured, many others are still at large.
Prison Collapse
The service released a statement through its spokesperson, Abubakar Uma.
According to them, releasing their images and names was done to recapture the escapees.
He said: “The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to publish the information of some escapees from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, FCT Command.
This was a result of the unfortunate collapse of the facility’s perimeter wall following a heavy downpour on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
“This has become pertinent to recapture them and bring them back to custody.
The information of the fugitives is hereby published for sister security agencies as well as the general public to look out for them in an attempt to recapture them and bring them back to the facility.
Message To The Public
“The public is further enjoined to cooperate with the Service to recapture these fleeing inmates as they pose a danger to public safety and national security.
Also Read: Suleja Prison: How Heavy Rain Helped Inmates Escape
“The general public is further informed that the Nigerian Correctional Service has since deployed overt and covert strategies towards recapturing all escapees while ensuring that security in custodial facilities nationwide is beefed up to forestall any security breaches.
“If any of the escapees is sighted, the public can report to the nearest security agent or agency.”
Indeed, the public, by that we mean all of us, have a role to play in helping the service capture these escapees.
The truth is, while some may have returned to their hideout, many others have settled in various places.
In the published notice, the service provided the escapees images for easy identification.
Furthermore, they included phone numbers you can call if you see any of the escapees.