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The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to relocate a significant number of correctional centres to enhance security, infrastructure, and overall conditions.
This decision comes in the wake of an incident at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, where 119 inmates escaped following a rainstorm that damaged the facility on April 25, 2024.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, made this commitment during his visit to the Suleja facility.
He emphasized the necessity of relocating correctional centres to more suitable environments, citing the overcrowding of the Suleja facility, which was built in 1914 to accommodate 250 inmates but housed 499 at the time of the incident.
The Minister highlighted the importance of creating better space, security, and infrastructure for correctional centres, noting that the ministry is working diligently to revamp the correctional system across the country.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the responsibility of the government in addressing the challenges faced by correctional centres and assured that such incidents would not be repeated.
The Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre was designed to hold 250 inmates, but before the incident, it housed almost double that number.
The Minister stressed that overcrowding played a significant role in the challenges faced by the facility and the subsequent escape of inmates.
Tunji-Ojo assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of correctional centres and the public.
He promised that the government would take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
This news highlights the government’s efforts to improve the correctional system in Nigeria, with a focus on providing better security, infrastructure, and living conditions for inmates.
It also underscores the need for effective management and maintenance of correctional facilities to prevent incidents like the jailbreak at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
As the government moves forward with its plans to relocate correctional centres, the public can expect enhanced security measures and improved infrastructure.
This initiative aims to ensure the safety of both inmates and the public, as well as to address the challenges faced by Nigeria’s correctional system.
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