The Nigerian Correctional Service has faced criticism for its delay in publishing the database containing information on the remaining 100 inmates who escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State, 18 days later.

The delay in publishing the database has drawn sharp rebuke from concerned stakeholders, who argued that timely dissemination of information was crucial for public safety and law enforcement efforts.

A total of 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, Niger State on April 24, 2024.

The incident triggered by a relentless downpour that caused significant damage to the facility, resulted in a breach of the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to escape.

While 10 inmates were re-arrested on April 25, three more were captured later that same day.

On April 29, three more fleeing inmates were rearrested.

On May 5, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, said, “A total of 19 fleeing inmates have been recaptured so far.”

Despite the incident occurring 18 days ago, authorities have yet to release vital details about the fleeing prisoners, raising concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of the response efforts.

The delay has prompted calls for swift action and increased transparency from the relevant authorities to ensure the prompt recapture of the escaped inmates and the safety of the community.

Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, a former Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Alobi, emphasised that it was crucial for the NCoS to promptly inform the public about the escaped inmates.

Alobi emphasised that publishing the inmates’ database as soon as possible was imperative.

He said, “The NCoS ought to have made the information of the fleeing inmates known to the public. The members of the public are the ones that can identify them to notify the security agencies for their arrests.

“The NCoS ought to have done the needful before now. Some of the fleeing inmates might have even left the country.

“The inaction of the NCoS is causing some concerns among security agencies and members of the public.

“The earlier they publish the database of the inmates, the better.

A security expert, Oladele Fajana, highlighted that the delay poses significant security threats to Nigerians’ lives.

Fajana said, “The delay by the NCoS is a security threat. I do not know why the Federal Government is delaying the database of these inmates.

“As it is now, we are under the challenge of security threats. The FG should always jump into action whenever such incidents occur.”

Also, another security expert, Chidi Omeje, said the NCoS lacked a database of the escaped inmates while underscoring the incompetence of the officers.

Omeje noted that the fleeing inmates pose a significant threat to society.