On April 24, 2024, a heavy storm hit the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Prison in Niger State. The storm caused severe damage to the prison, breaking the perimeter fence and allowing 119 inmates to escape. This has raised serious security concerns.
In response, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has shared information about the escaped inmates. They hope that by releasing the names and details of the fugitives, the public can help law enforcement recapture them.
Ten inmates were quickly re-arrested on April 25, with three more captured later the same day. By June 6, 2024, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar announced that 23 escapees had been recaptured. He assured the public that the NCoS is working hard to find the remaining fugitives and will release their pictures to help with identification.
“There is a concerted effort by the service to recapture the fleeing inmates. So far, we have been able to recapture 23 escapees. We are working hard to release the pictures of the remaining fugitives,” Umar said.
As of June 15, 2024, the NCoS website has published details of only 18 out of the 96 remaining escapees. The names released are Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kingsley, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, Ayuba Obidience, Lamido Gambo, Garba Fidelis, Mohammed Jibrin, Sylvester Allison, Albert Israel, Edoga Okwudili, Olaiya Stephen, Audo Usman, and Ibrahim Aminu.
The NCoS hopes that by sharing these names and details, the public will help locate and identify the escapees. They believe that community involvement is essential for quickly resolving this situation.
This escape highlights the problems within Nigeria’s correctional facilities, especially during natural disasters. It shows the need for stronger infrastructure and better emergency plans to prevent such incidents.
The NCoS, along with other security agencies, is working hard to recapture the remaining escapees and ensure the safety of the public. People are encouraged to report any information about the fugitives to the nearest law enforcement agency.
The Suleja prison escape underscores the challenges faced by the correctional system in Nigeria. It points to the need for reforms to improve security and efficiency in the prison system. The NCoS’s efforts to release inmate information and seek public help are positive steps towards maintaining law and order.
Victoria Ibiama
