The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has called on the public to cooperate with the service to recapture 31 fleeing inmates as they posed a danger to public safety and national security.

The NCoS spokesman, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

A downpour on April 24 wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger, resulting in extensive damage to the facility resulting in the escape of 119 inmates.

The downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.

Mr Umar said the public was further informed that the NCoS had since deployed overt and covert strategies towards recapturing all escapees.

He assured us that security in custodial facilities nationwide would be beefed up to prevent any security breach.

“This in which was as a result of the unfortunate collapse of the facility’s perimeter wall following a heavy downpour. This has become pertinent in an effort to recapture them and bring them back to custody,” said the NCoS.

The statement added, “The information of the fugitives are hereby published for sister security agencies as well as the general public to look out for them in an attempt to recapture them and bring them back to the facility.

“If any of the escapees is sighted, the public can report to the nearest security agent or agency or may call the following numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006. The public can also contact us through our email on: info@corrections.gov.ng or complaintsresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng.”

(NAN)