The escaped prisoners from the Suleja prison in Nigeria now tally 118, following severe damage caused by heavy rains on Wednesday night, according to a spokesperson from the prison service.
Adamu Duza, the spokesperson, revealed in a statement on Thursday that the prolonged downpour had inflicted significant harm on the medium-security facility, including breaching the perimeter wall and damaging adjacent structures.
Efforts are underway to locate and recapture the fugitives, with 10 of them already apprehended with the assistance of various security agencies. Duza emphasized the ongoing pursuit, stating, “We are in hot chase to recapture the rest.”
Assuring the public, Duza stated that authorities are fully engaged in managing the situation, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.
While no specifics were provided regarding the identities or affiliations of the escaped inmates, it’s noted that Suleja prison has housed members of the Boko Haram Islamist insurgent group in the past.
Prison breaks pose a significant security challenge in Nigeria due to issues such as overcrowding, underfunding, and inadequate security measures.
Weak infrastructure and militant attacks have facilitated numerous escapes in recent years, with a notable incident in July 2022 when an Islamic State assault on a high-security prison in Abuja resulted in the liberation of approximately 440 inmates.
Duza acknowledged the aging and vulnerability of many prison facilities, citing their construction during the colonial era. Efforts to modernize the prison system are underway, including the construction of six 3,000-capacity facilities and the refurbishment of existing ones.
