The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the recapture of five out of twelve inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, following a security breach early Monday morning.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, revealed that the jailbreak occurred after some inmates in one section of the facility tampered with padlocks, allowing them to break free.
“During the unfortunate incident, some inmates in a section of the facility manipulated the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates,” the statement read.
Upon receiving reports of the breach, Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, promptly mobilized security personnel in collaboration with heads of sister agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State. Their immediate response helped restore order and set off a manhunt for the escapees.
“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” Umar stated.
The NCoS has launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances behind the escape and has also begun a nationwide security audit of correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The Acting Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.
