The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has generously graced us with more pictures of the inmates who decided to escape from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. This dazzling display of incompetence unfolded in April when, get this, rain managed to destroy the prison walls. Yes, you read that right—rain.
Why It Matters
About 119 inmates seized the opportunity to flee. Fast forward to June, and the NCoS proudly announced that they had managed to capture a whopping 18 of these escapees. Late Thursday, they decided to parade the names and faces of the remaining fugitives on their X account, as if this act of transparency somehow compensates for their monumental failure.
For those keeping score, the lucky escapees include Tasiu Mohammed, Philip Ola, Mohammed Lawal, Buba Bello, Biyo Flamingo, Onyedikachi Emeka, Augustine Uden, Gambo Lamido, Sani Muhajid, Abubakar Hashiru, Haruna Salisu, Solomon Gkwangurum, and Aliyu Ismaila.
The NCoS, in their infinite wisdom, is now urging the public to play the role of security forces and report any sightings of these prisoners. Because, clearly, the professionals tasked with this job have it all under control.
What They Are saying
Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer (FCT Command), Adamu Duza, assured everyone that mechanisms are in place to recapture the escapees. “The Service has immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms,” he boasted, adding that they’ve already recaptured 10 fleeing inmates. If you’re doing the math, that leaves just over a hundred still at large. Bravo, NCoS.
In a move that screams too little, too late, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo visited the correctional centre and mentioned that the Federal Government is pondering a relocation of the facility.
This revelation comes with the shocking disclosure that the facility currently houses 499 inmates, double the 250 it was originally built for. Clearly, overcrowding and poor infrastructure are not issues that just sprung up overnight.
Bottom Line
So, there you have it. The Nigerian Correctional Service, in all its glory, reminding us once again why confidence in public institutions is at an all-time low. Let’s hope they find the rest of the escapees before another rainstorm hits.
