Why 3,906 Fleeing Inmates Haven’t Been Recaptured – Aregbesola

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has revealed why 3,906 inmates who escaped from different custodial centres in the country have not been recaptured.

Aregebsola said the fleeing inmates are yet to be arrested because the federal government is patiently waiting for them to return willingly.

The minister pointed out that the fleeing inmates have nowhere to hide because their biometrics have been taken, adding that the escapees cannot make any financial dealings.

He made these disclosures at a media briefing organised by the presidential media team at the presidential villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

According to the minister, 984 inmates have been recaptured from a total of 4,369 inmates who escaped from different custodial centres since 2020 till date.

He said, “This is the advantage of the state. How long can they continue to run from the state? The state is a patient vulture. You can run but you cannot hide. We have their biometrics. Whenever and wherever they appear to transact any business, their cover will be blown.

“I will also like to inform Nigerians that we have captured the biometric information of all inmates in the facilities of Nigeria Correctional Service working in partnership with the Nigerian Identity Management Commission.

“Therefore, we have the capacity and are tracking all escapees from our facilities. In addition, we are working with and have shared the details of escapees with INTERPOL, to check the risks of cross border movements.”

Speaking further, Aregebsola said 465 inmates are running various degree programmes around the country, adding that 85 of them are doing their Postgraduate programmes.

He said 560 inmates have been enrolled for WAEC/NECO examinations while 2,300 are enrolled for adult literacy classes in several custodial centres.