118 inmates escape as heavy downpour 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 break 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 fugitive prisoners.

There are reportedly continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining escaping prisoners. 

Duza said the NCoS was dedicated to updating its infrastructure because of the ageing facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era, and their inherent vulnerability. 

The statement also said that Francis John, the Controller of Corrections at FCT Command, reassured the people that everything was under control and asked them to go about their everyday lives fearlessly. 

The public was urged to maintain their vigilance and to notify the closest security agency of any suspicious activity or sightings of fugitive prisoners.

Source