BY NGOZI OKORIE
SECURITY operatives have recaptured 48 inmates that escaped from the Owerri Custodial Centre on Monday.
They had escaped from the facility when gunmen invaded the facility and forcefully released about 1,844 inmates.
The Nigeria Correctional Service said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Francis Enobore, that the number of inmates presently in custody had increased to 84, including those that resisted the temptation to escape during the attack.
Enobore said, among the escapees, 11 were recaptured by men of the 211 Nigerian Airforce Base, Owerri, while others either came back on their own, or were returned by their relations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
He said, “Peace has gradually returned to Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State following the recent invasion of the facility by gunmen suspected to members of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
“As of 1550hrs today, 7th April 2021, the Centre has recovered a total of 48 inmates who escaped in the wake of the invasion, thus increasing the number of inmates presently in custody to 84, including those that resisted the temptation to escape during the attack.
“Among the escapees, 11 were recaptured by men of the 211 Nigerian Airforce Base, Owerri while others either came back on their own volition or were returned by their relations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.”
He noted that, acting on the directives of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, John Mrabure, had charged all staff in the Command to go after the fleeing inmates and smoke them out of hiding at all costs.
According to him, the Controller read the riot act during the interactive session with personnel attached to the Custodial Centre, including those at the State Headquarters.
Enobore stated, “He further asked the entire body of staff to brace up to frontally resist the emerging security challenges confronting the nation and by extension, the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“The Corrections boss expresses his profound appreciation to other security bodies in fortifying Custodial Centres across the county and in the Search and Recover exercise. He equally thanked other individuals and groups for their patriotic disposition in ensuring that escapees in their custody are safely returned to the Custodial Centre.”
“He appealed for more support in this regard in order to keep the dangerous offenders out of circulation and make the society safe and secure for everyone,” he added.
