Security Forces Commence Search for Fugitive Inmates from Suleja Prison.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a search for 109 out of 119 inmates who took advantage of a collapsed perimeter fence at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State.

The escape occurred during heavy rainfall on Wednesday night, damaging the facility and surrounding structures.

NCoS spokesperson AS Duza stated that while 10 inmates have been recaptured, efforts are ongoing to find and detain the others.

The NCoS has also activated its recapture protocols and is working with other security agencies to locate the fugitives.

“The service has immedi­ately activated its recapturing mechanisms, and in conjunc­tion with sister security agen­cies have so far recaptured 10 fleeing inmates and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase to recapture the rest.

“The service is not unmind­ful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and that they are old and weak.

“The service is making fran­tic efforts to see that all ageing facilities give way for modern ones. This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six number of 3000-capacity ul­tra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria as well as the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones.

“The service wishes to assure the public that it is on top of the situation and that they should go about their businesses without fear or hindrance. The public is fur­ther enjoined to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency.”