FG orders NCoS, security agencies to fortify correctional facilities

The Federal Government has ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to work with other security agencies to fortify all correctional facilities in the country to forestall a repeat of attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Media Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Sola Fasure, on Thursday in Abuja.

Aregbesola also directed that all personnel be vigilant and alert, to avoid recurrence and also directed that full investigation into the incident be carried out as soon as possible.

He warned that appropriate actions would be taken should any complicity be established and pledged to continue to strengthen all correctional facilities to keep all Nigerians safe at all times.

“We are working with the Ministry of Defence and the office of the National Security Adviser and other intelligence and security agencies to ensure the attackers and the escaped inmates are captured and returned to custody.

“As we speak, security personnel are combing the whole area, up to a distance of 100km radius, looking for them. All checkpoints nationwide have been put on alert.

“However, more than 400 of them have been brought in and more are still coming,” he said.

Aregbesola appealed to all residents to be calm but vigilant, adding that security was a collective work between government and the citizens.

“Kindly therefore, report all suspicious individuals and activities to the nearest security agency around you.

“We appeal also to doctors and medical workers to treat and then immediately report anyone with gunshot wounds to the law enforcement agency,” the Minister added.

The NCoS said that a security personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), drafted to the centre was shot dead by the attackers who stormed the facility through the fence and the main entrance using explosive devices.

A total of 879 inmates escaped the facility during the attack.

Out of this number, 443 were said to be on the run, another 443 were captured leaving the total inmates currently in the facility at 551 in total.

The NCoS said it will deploy its Corrections Information Management System (CIMS) in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody.”