President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres from urban areas across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the unveiling of operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service. “The approval has been granted for the relocation of 29 correctional centres to more suitable locations,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
This decision comes in response to alarming statistics reported by SaharaReporters, which indicated that between October 28, 2019, and April 25, 2024, at least 6,356 inmates have escaped from various Nigerian Correctional Service Centres due to a series of successful jailbreaks. These incidents have raised serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of security measures within the prison system and have underscored the urgent need for reforms.
High-profile escapes have posed significant threats to public safety, highlighting the necessity to address the root causes of these jailbreaks. Notable incidents include:
- October 28, 2019: Heavy rainfall led to flooding at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, resulting in the escape of 122 inmates.
- January 2, 2022: Three inmates escaped from Mandala Prison in Ilorin, Kwara State.
- May 13, 2022: Following a heavy downpour that caused the collapse of the northern perimeter wall at Agbor Prison in Delta State, three inmates fled but were later recaptured after the deployment of correctional guards, army, and police.
- December 26, 2023: Three inmates escaped from the Ijebu Ode Correctional Centre in Ogun State.
- April 25, 2024: The most recent incident occurred in Suleja, Niger State, where 108 inmates broke free.
