The recent escape of inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, raises a lot of questions about the state of correctional facilities in Nigeria.

Development Diaries reports that no fewer than 199 inmates escaped from the facility after a downpour that destroyed parts of the facility.

The immediate concern would be the potential threat posed by the escapees to public safety. It is concerning that 24 hours after the incident occurred, the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) has yet to release names and pictures of those that escaped.

This development raises questions about the adequacy of security measures at the correctional facility. It is still baffling how such a large-scale escape could occur, and we are left wondering what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

It also highlights the vulnerability of the infrastructure to natural disasters, indicating a systemic failure in ensuring the safety and security of inmates. This development underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures within Nigeria’s prison system.

Also, this incident calls attention to broader issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, including overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and the need for comprehensive reforms to address these systemic challenges.

It is understood that the Suleja facility was built to house 250 inmates, and before the incident, there were 499 inmates.

That means the urgent need for reforms in the over 240 custodial centres nationwide must not be given lip service but should be paid attention to.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in response, has said that the federal government may relocate many jails from city centres because of the growing urbanisation in the country.

Recall that the minister, in October 2023, had hinted at plans to decongest correctional facilities, because 4,000 inmates were in the facilities due to their inability to pay fines. It now appears that more needs to be done with respect to reforms in correctional centres in Nigeria

While the minister has assured Nigerians of swift action following this escape, Development Diaries calls on him to go beyond promising and ensure that appropriate reforms are carried out in correctional centres across the country.

Photo source: Vanguard