Nigerian Army Blames Kuje Prison Break on Absence of CCTV Cameras and Inadequate Security Measures

In an investigative hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Reformatory Institutions, Justice, Police Affairs, Interior, and Human Rights, the Nigerian Army has revealed that the July 5, 2022, Kuje Prison break was a result of the absence of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at the facility.

Major Peter Ogbuinya, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Nigerian Army Legal Services, stated that after the jailbreak, the army observed that the prison is located in a densely populated area and has a low fence without any CCTV cameras installed.

This lack of proper security measures made it easier for the incident to occur.

The Nigerian Army plays a complementary role in providing security in Correctional Centres. However, they had written a series of letters to the Comptroller General of the Correctional Service before the incident, highlighting their observations and suggestions for enhancing security around the facility.

Ayoola Daniel, representing the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, emphasized the need for decongesting correctional centers in the country.

With the correctional service now on the concurrent list, state governments are expected to take up the responsibility of decongesting the centers.

Philip Ayuba, Assistant Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), suggested engaging members of the National Youth Service Corps to provide legal services to prisoners as a way to help decongest the prison system.

The investigation into the Kuje Prison break is ongoing, and it remains to be seen if any soldiers failed to fulfill their duties within the military hierarchy.

The incident has highlighted the need for better security measures and increased cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.