A low-risk inmate who escaped from the Correctional Facility yesterday afternoon has been recaptured this morning and transferred to the high-risk detention.

Acting Director of Correctional Services, Albert Nalpini, confirmed that the inmate, Bule Alfred, from Pentecost, was discovered missing during a routine roll call around 3PM. He was serving a 1 year 5 months sentence for unlawful entry, theft, threatening, and trespass, following his conviction in 2023.

According to Nalpini, Alfred is due for release in November this year and is eligible to parole but faced parole delays due to mental health concerns linked to marijuana use.

How the Escape Happened
Nalpini explained that structural damage from last year’s earthquake and an ongoing construction project led to weakened security measures. Gates were left open during evacuation drills, and fencing in certain areas was not fully secured. The escapee exploited these weaknesses, moving through a construction site before fleeing the facility.

Authorities immediately launched a search operation, visiting Alfred’s family and tracking his movements. He was successfully arrested this morning and has since been transferred to a High-Risk Center for closer monitoring and behavioral assessment.

Security Measures Reinforced
Following the escape, Correctional Services has reintroduced stricter restrictions to prevent further incidents. Inmates will now remain within locked cells, and emergency drills are being reassessed to ensure security is maintained even in crisis situations.