Some security stakeholders have called on governments at all levels to consider stiffer penalties for jailbreak masterminds in the country.

They made the call on Wednesday while speaking in Abeokuta.

Seventeen organised attacks have been launched against key prison facilities of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) located in different geo-political zones of the country between 2015 and 2024.

Paul Ayeni, a retired commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), decried the delay in the resolution of the case of three masterminds of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Minna, Niger jailbreak since 2018.

“Also, the recent escape of 119 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre ( NCoS), Suleja, Niger, in April was dramatic,” he said.

According to him, the reasons offered by the NCoS that a downpour and storm broke the custodial parameter fence, which enhanced the inmates,  was “unacceptable.”

Mr Ayeni, a life coach and the chairman of EcoSafe Ltd, stressed that the government’s inability to execute justice was responsible for the repetition of the menace.

He pleaded with the necessary authorities to catch other masterminds of jailbreaks and speed up the justice system against them.

Mr Ayeni recommended death penalties for conspirators if found guilty.

Adetokunbo Shonibare-Ayantunji, the founder of Useful Youth Vision Concepts (UYVC), said tackling jailbreaks in the country required joint efforts.

She recommended regular integrity tests and background checks on NCoS staff and implementation of the Whistleblower Policy to report suspicious activities.

“Personnel who colluded with criminals from outside must be dismissed and banned from holding public office,” she said.

She said enhancing law enforcement and collaboration was essential.

Pastor Ikeh Nworah of the Pentecostal Faith Missions (PFM) called for eradicating corruption in NCoS.

He urged the government to name and shame the corrupt personnel in the segment.

The gospel preacher called for improved funding for NCoS personnel and the provision of adequate security features such as CCTV, motion sensors, high walls made of barbed wire, and electric fencing, among others. 

(NAN)