Ensuring the safety and security of all 256 Custodial Centres nationwide is a top priority for the Federal Government, following the unfortunate events at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja on April 24.
After a thorough inspection of the 3,000-capacity Custodial Centre in Karshi, Abuja, and the old and new custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing similar incidents.
The Minister highlighted the importance of relocating facilities that are vulnerable to challenges posed by urbanization.
It is worth noting that heavy rainfall on April 24 caused significant damage to the walls of the Suleja Custodial Centre, resulting in the escape of 118 inmates, some of whom are still at large.
During the visit to the New Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the facility housed 750 inmates despite having a capacity for 340. Out of these, 605 were awaiting trial.
Emphasizing the transformation of correctional centres into places of reformation and rehabilitation, the Minister expressed the need for a paradigm shift in ideology.
Discussing the observations made during the inspection, Tunji-Ojo mentioned plans to address the identified issues in collaboration with the ministry and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
At Keffi, where overcrowding was a concern with over 1,000 inmates spread across two correctional centres, the Minister stressed the importance of implementing measures to prevent future security breaches.
To enhance security, concrete perimeter fences will be erected around the facilities as part of the government’s proactive measures.