A breach in security occurred at the Suleja Correctional Facility in Niger State during a torrential downpour on Wednesday night, leading to the escape of an undisclosed number of inmates.
The heavy rain caused significant damage to the prison’s perimeter fence, creating an opportunity for the prisoners to flee.
According to eyewitness Abdullahi Nura, who spoke with Daily Trust, the inmates overpowered the correctional officials on duty and made their escape in various directions.
“They were throwing stones at volunteers who tried to prevent their escape,” Nura explained, noting that some parked vehicles were also damaged in the chaos.
Authorities managed to recapture three of the escapees in Suleja shortly after the incident.
On Thursday morning, additional captures were made along the Suleja-Madalla road, specifically in the Rafinsanyi and Kwankwaso areas.
At the time of this report, attempts to reach the Suleja Police Area commander, ACP Muhammad Sani Musa, for comments were unsuccessful.
The correctional facility’s administration has not yet issued a statement regarding the escape.
This incident is a stark reminder of the 2020 breach at Kuje Prison in Abuja, where suspected terrorists orchestrated a massive jailbreak, releasing all suspects from terrorist-held cells.
This event had a profound impact, lasting several hours and contributing to ongoing concerns about security at correctional facilities.
Nigeria has witnessed several jailbreaks over the years, prompting government pledges to intensify efforts to recapture escapees.
