Heavy rains lead to escape of 118 inmates near Nigerian capital

 

The prisoners who escaped from the jail in Suleja, Nigeria, following heavy rainfall numbered at least 118, according to a spokesperson for the prison service. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson, reported that the downpour caused significant damage to parts of the medium-security facility, including the perimeter wall and surrounding buildings, enabling the inmates to escape. Despite the damage, efforts to recapture the fugitives are underway, with 10 prisoners already apprehended with the assistance of other security agencies. Duza assured the public that authorities are actively pursuing the remaining escapees and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

While specific details regarding the identities or affiliations of the escaped prisoners were not disclosed, past incidents suggest that members of the Boko Haram Islamist militant group have been detained in Suleja prison. Jailbreaks have become a significant security concern in Nigeria due to issues such as overcrowding, underfunding, and inadequate security measures. The incident underscores the urgent need for modernization efforts within the Nigerian prison system, with plans in place to construct new facilities and renovate existing ones to prevent such events in the future.