Source: premiumtimesng.com

It has been one prison break to another. This justifies that the prison system is in shambles even as we speak. As we know, safety is paramount to every individual but one cannot be safe if the state of security is nothing to write home about. With the reoccurrence of jail break, the human life remains threatened. Sometimes, prison guards connive with the prison inmates to carry out these crimes. Offenders that are supposed to face the wrath of the law have access to freedom illegitimately.

In a bid to call to order the prison system, a statement was released by spokesperson of the Nigeria Prisons Service, Francis Enobore. The statement revealed that Federal Government had sacked 23 prison officers and suspended 11 others after the recent ‎jailbreak at Koton Kafe prison in Kogi, Kuje prison in Abuja and Nsukka Prison in Enugu state. An excerpt from the statement includes:

“Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB) considered the allegation of serious misconduct arising from your negligence of duty as levelled against you.

‘’The Board thereafter approved your immediate dismissal from the Nigerian Prisons Service in line with the provision of the Public Service Rule 030402 (O) being an action prejudicial to the security of the State.
“Similarly the Controller-General of Prisons in his capacity, has approved the dismissal of 7 junior staff serving in Kuje Medium Security prison and 10 other junior staff serving in Koton Karfe prison also implicated in the escape saga. The affected officers are to hand over all government properties in their possession to their immediate superior and proceed accordingly.

“Meanwhile the officer in charge of Nsukka Prison, DCP Okonkwo Lawrence and 10 others, have been suspended over the recent prisoners’ escape from the prison. The suspension is to allow for detailed and uninterrupted investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to facilitate appropriate action by the authority.
“It would be recalled that in the wake of incessant escape of prisoners from some prisons in the country, the CGP, Ja’afaru Ahmed, on the 2nd of August, 2016, convened an emergency meeting of Command Officers and 241 officers in charge of prisons across the country to reassess security measures for safe keeping of prisoners. Although a number of escapees have been recaptured, efforts are still being made to ensure that all the fugitives are apprehended and returned to prison custody.
“The Controller General wishes to assure all officers and men of the Nigerian Prisons Service of his readiness to support and encourage hard work and dedication to duty but frowns at acts of negligence capable of embarrassing the Service and the nation at large. While appreciating the collaboration of security agencies, vigilante groups and members of the public for their support, the Controller General further assures that all necessary measures are being put in place to guarantee maximum security of persons in Prison custody’’

From the statement, some fugitives have been captured but others are still on the run. Meanwhile, it is best to stay security conscious and report any suspect to the appropriate authority.

By Patricia Uyeh