The Federal Government of Nigeria has solicited the help of the International Criminal Police Organisation to be on the lookout for prisoners who escaped from prisons in the country recently, including the most recent jailbreak in Owerri, Imo State.
The Nigerian Immigration Service had also been asked to be on the alert while data of the inmates were being compiled would be sent to the relevant organisations in batches so as not to delay the manhunt.
According to a senior official with the National Correctional Service who spoke to Punch on Saturday on condition of anonymity, the number of “dangerous” inmates on the loose officially was 3,471, including those who escaped in Owerri.
The source noted that the inmates included hardened criminals, kidnappers, armed robbers and condemned criminals awaiting execution. “Suffice it to say that the bulk of those who fled Owerri correctional centre are hardened criminals,” the source added.
Recall that at least 1,844 inmates fled from the Owerri Custodial Centre on Monday when unknown gunmen attacked the facility. The gunmen also invaded the state police headquarters, where they aided the escape of about 600 suspects in custody. The attackers razed the facilities and also vehicles on both premises.
Despite the persuasion by the Federal Government and its assurance that they would be given amnesty from fresh prosecution if they returned to the facility, the NCoS said on its website on Wednesday that it had a total of 84 inmates back in custody.
It said the figure included those who did not flee during the jailbreak, those recaptured, those who voluntarily returned and those brought back by their relations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
A report by Sunday Punch says about 1,780 inmates were on the loose, while only 35 inmates didn’t escape during the attack.
The NCoS on Friday published the names and pictures of36 of the fleeing inmates on its Twitter handle.