The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence; Interior; Reformatory Services; Defence; Army; Air Force; Navy and Police Affairs to “investigate the causes, dimensions and effects of the unfortunate Kuje Custodial Centre attack.”
The joint committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The House also urged the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Special Summit on National Security organised by the leadership of the House in 2021, which the lawmakers said had a “broad national stakeholders’ participation.”
At the plenary on Thursday, the House had unanimously adopted the motion moved by a member, Sha’aban Sharada, titled ‘Need to Investigate the Terrorists’ Attack on Nigerian Correctional Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje.’
Sharada, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, recalled that on July 5, 2022, terrorists attacked the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in Abuja.
The lawmaker also recalled that the next day, Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (retd.), while on an assessment visit to the scene of the incident, stated that over 600 inmates, including 64 Boko Haram suspects, out of about 994 inmates accommodated in the custodial centre, had escaped.
He further recalled that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), expressed disappointment over the embarrassing development and directed a comprehensive investigation to address the situation.
Sharada said, “The House is disturbed that the development makes the country, and the Federal Capital Territory in particular, vulnerable and under the fear of attacks, risk intimidation and all sorts of threats due to the large number of criminal escapees in the country.
“The House is cognisant of the enormous resources expended by the Federal Government towards ensuring the realisation of public security and welfare of its citizens.
“The House is worried that the Kuje Custodial Centre attack and its terrible outcome along with several related crimes against national security are on the increase despite stakeholders’ commitment towards equipping the national security enforcement and intelligence community with significant Appropriation of funds.
“The House is cognisant that public peace and safety will continue to be threatened if urgent steps are not taken to address the situation.”
