The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has released new information in their ongoing efforts to recapture inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State.
Heavy rains on April 24th compromised the prison walls, allowing 118 inmates to escape. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, attributed the incident to the facility’s aged infrastructure and pledged government action to prevent future occurrences.
As of June 6th, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar reported the recapture of 23 escapees. Authorities then published the names of 18 remaining fugitives on their website in mid-June.
Today, Mr. Umar announced the release of names and photos for an additional 13 missing inmates, bringing the total number of publicly identified escapees to 31.
The newly identified fugitives include Tasiu Mohammed, Philip Ola, Mohammed Lawal, and others. ([See full list in original report])
The NCoS is urging the public’s assistance in apprehending the escapees. They have implemented “overt and covert” strategies for recapture and are calling on all security agencies and citizens to be on the lookout.
“The information of the fugitives is hereby published for sister security agencies as well as the general public to look out for them in an attempt to recapture them and bring them back to the facility,” Umar said. “If you see them, please contact the nearest security agency immediately.”
The NCoS provided multiple channels for reporting sightings, urging anyone with information to come forward.
