“Security stakeholders in Nigeria have issued a resounding call for stricter penalties to be imposed on individuals behind jailbreaks in the country. This urgent plea was articulated during discussions held in Abeokuta on Wednesday. Highlighting the severity of the situation, it was revealed that seventeen coordinated attacks have targeted key prison facilities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) across various geopolitical zones from 2015 to 2024.
Paul Ayeni, a retired commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), expressed dismay over the prolonged delay in resolving the case of three masterminds of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Minna, Niger, jailbreak which occurred in 2018. Drawing attention to the recent escape of 119 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger, in April, Ayeni criticized the NCoS’s explanation attributing the incident to adverse weather conditions. He emphasized that the government’s failure to swiftly administer justice contributes to the recurrence of such incidents, urging authorities to apprehend other perpetrators and expedite legal proceedings against them. Ayeni went as far as recommending death penalties for those found guilty of orchestrating jailbreaks.
Adetokunbo Shonibare-Ayantunji, the founder of Useful Youth Vision Concepts (UYVC), emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in addressing jailbreaks. She proposed regular integrity tests and background checks for NCoS personnel, along with the implementation of a Whistleblower Policy to report suspicious activities. Shonibare-Ayantunji advocated for the dismissal and prohibition of public office for personnel found colluding with criminals.
Pastor Ikeh Nworah of the Pentecostal Faith Missions (PFM) echoed the sentiment of eradicating corruption within the NCoS. He called on the government to publicly identify and shame corrupt personnel within the organization. Additionally, Nworah urged increased funding for NCoS personnel and the installation of enhanced security features such as CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and fortified perimeter walls equipped with electric fencing.
These impassioned pleas underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to tackle the persistent challenge of jailbreaks in Nigeria.”
