The Nigerian Correctional Service has apprehended 16 of the 119 convicts who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State last week.
The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed this on Monday.
The persistent downpour on Wednesday night caused havoc on the Suleja detention institution, causing major damage and allowing 119 convicts to escape.
The downpour caused significant damage to the custodial facility’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence that allowed convicts to escape.
Ten fleeing inmates were re-arrested on Thursday morning and in the evening, another three were recaptured.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after surveying the damage caused by a severe downpour at the custodial centre in Suleja, highlighted the urgent need for reforms in over 240 custodial centres nationwide.
Tunji-Ojo pledged the Federal Government’s dedication to bringing the remaining fleeing inmates back into custody.
Giving the latest updates on the escapees, Umar said, “Additional three fleeing inmates have been recaptured making a total of 16 inmates.”
However, the spokesperson remained quiet on why the NCoS had yet to publish the images and other information on the remaining 103 fleeing inmates.
NCoS on Monday evening, noticed a flash notice that read, “Escapees Alert: Recent Escapees list from MSCC Suleja.” When attempted to click on the notice, it did not respond.
A top official in the NCoS headquarters claimed that the delay was due to technical issues.
He said, “The delay is a result of technical challenges and lack of maintenance of the website. The NCoS is working to address the situation.”