Kuje Prison Protest Over Planned Terrorists Transfer
Tension broke out at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja after inmates protested plans to bring in about 300 suspected terrorists into the already overcrowded facility.
The protest was linked to fears of worsening living conditions inside the prison.
The unrest reportedly began last Thursday after inmates learned that detainees linked to Boko Haram, Lakurawa groups and armed bandits were to be transferred to the centre.
Sources said the prison, built for about 550 inmates, is currently holding over 1,100 people.
Inmates complained that many have already spent years in custody without proper accommodation, with hundreds sleeping on the floor due to lack of beds.
Some also raised concerns that the facility is not secure enough to handle more high-risk detainees, especially after previous security warnings.
Authorities are said to have prepared additional beds for the incoming suspects, while the Nigerian Correctional Service has yet to issue a detailed response.
Kuje prison remains under close attention following the 2022 attack that freed hundreds of inmates.
