Kuje Inmates Protest Over Plan To Bring 300 Terror Suspects

There was tension at Kuje prison last Thursday as inmates protested against plans by the Federal Government to transfer about 300 suspected terrorists including Boko Haram and Lakurawa members into the already overcrowded facility. According to multiple security sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, the prison's capacity is only 550 inmates but they currently have approximately 1,150 people inside. That means over 600 inmates are sleeping on the ground with no beds or proper accommodation.

One source said the inmates were informed that some people would be moved out of their custody area to make room for the new suspects. Another source revealed that the Office of the National Security Adviser had already sent about 300 beds for the incoming detainees which is causing concern among inmates and some officials. The source also said security personnel linked to the NSA's office were sent to Kuje about two months ago and their report indicated concerns about a possible jailbreak at the facility.

So people are asking why the government wants to bring these terrorists to a prison that already has security concerns. This is the same Kuje where ISWAP fighters carried out a coordinated attack in July 2022 that freed hundreds of inmates. The National Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, CSC Jane Osuji, was contacted but had not responded as of the time of filing the report. How can they be planning this without proper arrangements for the inmates already there?