During an investigative hearing by the House of Representatives Joint Committees, Major Peter Ogbuinya from the Directorate of Nigerian Army Legal Services attributed the July 5, 2022, Kuje prison break to the absence of CCTV cameras and a low fence at the facility.

Ogbuinya highlighted the Nigerian Army’s supplementary role in prison security and revealed ongoing efforts to assess potential internal lapses within the military hierarchy.

Prior to the incident, the army had communicated security concerns to the correctional service through various correspondences.

Ayoola Daniel, representing the attorney general of the federation, reiterated the justice ministry’s support for decongesting correctional centers, emphasizing the transition of prison services from the exclusive to concurrent list, placing responsibility on state governments.

Philip Ayuba, assistant commandant general of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), proposed engaging National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lawyers to handle minor cases, aiming to alleviate prison congestion.

The discussion highlighted the need for enhanced security measures at correctional facilities and collaborative efforts to address overcrowding, underscoring the importance of stakeholder cooperation in prison reform initiatives.