The Minister of Interior, Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, says jailbreaks in Nigeria have reduced under President Bola Tinubu compared to previous administrations.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Tunji-Ojo dismissed claims of seven jailbreaks since 2023, identifying only three incidents — in Nasarawa, Niger, and Borno states.
“In Niger, in Suleja, in the middle of the night, the fence collapsed,” he said, noting outdated biometric records were promptly updated. He added that flooding in Maiduguri following a dam disaster also led to escapes, which “was not the fault of the government or the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
A recent incident saw 16 inmates escape, with seven recaptured. Tunji-Ojo credited improved biometric systems and coordination with security agencies.
He revealed that 12 of Nigeria’s 246 correctional facilities are under rehabilitation and that 50 doctors and 100 nurses have been employed.
“We were elected to produce results, not to shift blame,” he said, adding that the government will work with state governors on joint strategies to strengthen the correctional system.