EXCLUSIVE: Kuje Prison on Fire as Inmates Protest Transfer of 300 Terror Suspects to Facility
ABUJA — Tension reportedly gripped the Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday as inmates staged a protest over alleged overcrowding and plans by the Federal Government to transfer about 300 suspected terrorists to the facility.
Sources familiar with the development told Naija News House that the protest was triggered by reports that authorities intended to relocate hundreds of terrorism suspects, including alleged members of Boko Haram, Lakurawa and armed bandit groups, to the correctional centre.
According to the sources, inmates expressed concerns that the facility was already operating far beyond its designed capacity and could not adequately accommodate additional detainees.
One source disclosed that the protest took place within the CTU custody section of the prison.
“There was a protest in Kuje prison on Thursday in the CTU custody area. The inmates were informed that some people would be moved from their current custody section because the government planned to bring in about 300 suspected terrorists, including Boko Haram members, bandits and those described as Lakurawa terrorists,” the source said.
The source further alleged that the prison’s official capacity of about 550 inmates had been significantly exceeded.
“As of today, there are approximately 1,150 inmates in the facility. This means that more than 600 inmates are sleeping on the floor because there are not enough beds or accommodation facilities available,” the source claimed.
The source also expressed concern about the welfare of inmates who have spent several years in detention.
“Some inmates have been in the facility for five, 10 or even 12 years. Many have spent years sleeping on the floor because of inadequate facilities. Now, authorities want to bring in another 300 suspected terrorists to the same facility,” the source added.
Another source alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had already provided approximately 300 beds intended for the incoming detainees.
“The NSA has reportedly sent about 300 beds for these suspects. This is one of the issues generating concern among inmates and some officials,” the source said.
The source further claimed that security personnel linked to the NSA had conducted an assessment of the facility about two months ago and raised concerns about the possibility of a jailbreak.
“People are questioning why such a large number of terrorism suspects would be brought to a facility that has reportedly been flagged for security concerns. Many do not feel safe,” the source alleged.
The source also claimed that some inmates had personally funded repairs to prison cells and electricity installations in parts of the facility and feared they could be displaced without alternative arrangements.
“There is no clear plan for inmates already sleeping on the floor. Many believe the authorities are prioritising the benefits that may come with accommodating more detainees rather than addressing the welfare of those already in custody,” the source alleged.
Efforts by Naija News House to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) were unsuccessful. The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Chief Superintendent of Corrections (CSC) Jane Osuji, did not respond to calls and a text message seeking comment as of the time of filing this report.
