In a concerted effort to expedite the recapture of prisoners who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has released the database of 96 inmates who fled during a prison break on April 24, 2024.
This development follows a relentless downpour that significantly damaged the facility, leading to a breach in the perimeter fence and enabling the inmates to escape, News About Nigeria reports.
The publication of these details is part of a broader strategy to ensure the swift recapture of all escapees.
Initially, a total of 119 inmates escaped from the facility. Ten inmates were re-apprehended on April 25, and three more were captured later that same day.
As of June 6, 2024, NCoS Spokesperson Abubakar Umar, during a joint press briefing of the security, defense, and response agencies at the defense headquarters in Abuja, confirmed that 23 escapees had been recaptured.
Umar emphasized the service’s commitment to transparency and public safety by announcing the release of the pictures of the fleeing inmates to facilitate their identification and capture.
“I want to say here that there is a concerted effort by the service to recapture fleeing inmates. I want to put on record that we have been able to recapture 23 escapees so far. I also assure you that we are working hard to release the pictures of the fleeing inmates,” he stated.
As of Saturday afternoon, June 15, 2024, checks via the NCoS website revealed that the service has published the details of 18 out of the 96 remaining fleeing inmates.
The names of these fugitives include Ogbonna Kingsley, Auwal Mohammed, Mustapha Ibrahim, Suleiman Sani, Raphael Kingsley, Abdullahi Babangida, Idris Bashir, Umar Mustapha, and Ayuba Obidience.
Others listed are Lamido Gambo, Garba Fidelis, Mohammed Jibrin, Sylvester Allison, Albert Israel, Edoga Okwudili, Olaiya Stephen, Audo Usman, and Ibrahim Aminu.
The NCoS is urging the public to assist in the recapture efforts by providing any information that could lead to the apprehension of the remaining escapees.
Citizens are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
The FCT Police has also provided distress and emergency contact numbers for residents to call in case they have relevant information: 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 1938.
The incident has underscored the pressing need for improvements in prison infrastructure and security measures to prevent future occurrences.
The NCoS assures the public that steps are being taken to address these issues and enhance the overall security of custodial facilities across the country.
