The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern and dismay at the alarming frequency of jailbreaks and the subsequent escape of inmates in Nigeria over the past eight years. This concerning trend has raised significant issues regarding the security of correctional facilities and the safety of society at large.
In response to this pressing issue, the House urgently called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a judicial panel of inquiry to thoroughly investigate prison attacks and formulate strategies to prevent their recurrence. It is imperative to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s security apparatus and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Additionally, the House mandated the Committees on Interior and Reformatory Institutions to work closely with relevant federal agencies to enhance threat management in correctional centers nationwide. One crucial step in this regard is the enrollment of inmates in the National Identity Number system to improve tracking and monitoring capabilities.
These resolutions were put forth following a motion by Rep Kabiru Alhassan Usman Rurum from Kano State, who highlighted the escalating danger posed by attacks on custodial facilities and frequent inmate escapes. Rurum emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to address this growing threat to national security.
From September 2015 to July 2023, Nigeria witnessed a staggering 17 reported jailbreaks, resulting in over 7,000 inmates escaping custody. The recent incident in Niger State, where 118 inmates escaped due to a rainstorm, underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s correctional facilities.
Rurum pointed out a significant challenge: the inadequacy of prison officials’ training in handling confrontational situations. This lack of preparedness makes it difficult to repel attacks effectively. Thus, there is an urgent need for enhanced training programs and upgraded facilities to better equip prison staff to deal with security breaches.
The gravity of these jailbreaks extends beyond the immediate security concerns. Escaped criminals reintegrating into society pose a significant threat, potentially leading to a breakdown of security and an increase in criminal activities nationwide. It is crucial to prevent such occurrences to maintain law and order.
To address these challenges, Rurum proposed upgrading prison facilities with better security measures, including armed guards, reinforced walls, perimeter fences, solid gates, and modern surveillance equipment. These enhancements would enable authorities to detect security breaches more effectively and prevent further attacks.
Rurum stressed that prison breaks constitute a severe threat to national security, requiring stringent measures to prevent future incidents. The House of Representatives stands committed to taking decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
In conclusion, the alarming rate of jailbreaks and inmate escapes in Nigeria demands immediate attention and decisive action. By implementing robust security measures, enhancing training programs for prison staff, and improving infrastructure, Nigeria can prevent further breaches of its correctional facilities and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
