More than 100 inmates have escaped from a prison in Nigeria near the capital city of Abuja after heavy rains destroyed parts of the facility. The downpour destroyed the perimeter fence of the medium-security prison in Suleja, in Niger state, allowing a total of 118 inmates to escape. The prison service and other agencies have managed to recapture 10 of the escaped inmates, but are in hot pursuit of the rest. The public is advised to be on the lookout for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.
While the identities or affiliations of the escaped prisoners are not specified, it is noted that Boko Haram members have been held in Suleja prison in the past. There are concerns that the escaped inmates could seek refuge in the vast forests that connect Suleja town and neighboring states, which are known to be havens for criminal gangs. The overcrowding of Nigerian prisons, with 70 percent of inmates still awaiting trial, along with the outdated infrastructure, have made it easier for inmates to escape during past jailbreaks. The prison service is working to modernize its facilities, including the construction of new 3,000-capacity prisons and the renovation of existing ones.
The recent jailbreak in Suleja adds to a pattern of prison escapes in Nigeria in recent years. Weak infrastructure and militant attacks, such as the ISIS (ISIL) attack on a high-security prison in Abuja in July 2022 that freed around 440 inmates, have contributed to the problem. The prisons in Nigeria have largely remained unchanged since colonial times, with little renovation and maintenance, making them vulnerable to escapes. The prison service is taking steps to address these issues by improving security measures and upgrading facilities to prevent future incidents.
The escape of over 100 inmates from the prison in Suleja has sparked a manhunt to recapture the remaining fugitives. The public is urged to cooperate with authorities and report any sightings of the escaped prisoners to aid in their capture. The fear that escaped inmates, potentially including members of extremist groups like Boko Haram, could pose a threat to public safety is a significant concern. Efforts are being made to strengthen security measures and prevent further jailbreaks in Nigeria to ensure the safety of the community and prevent future incidents.
The state of Nigerian prisons, including overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and security vulnerabilities, has led to a series of prison escapes in recent years. The government is taking steps to modernize and improve the prison system to prevent such incidents in the future. The escape of over 100 inmates from the prison in Suleja serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian prison system and the need for reform to ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public. With a manhunt underway to recapture the escaped prisoners, efforts are being made to restore order and prevent any potential threats to public safety resulting from the jailbreak.
