The Federal Government has confirmed the recapture of five out of 12 inmates who escaped during a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesman, DCC Abubakar Umar, the incident happened in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2024.
He said the escape occurred after some inmates tampered with padlocks in a section of the facility, enabling 12 inmates to flee.
In response, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, along with security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor, mobilized a swift operation to restore order and launch a manhunt.
So far, five escapees have been recaptured, while efforts continue to track down the remaining inmates.
The Controller General has ordered a full investigation into the jailbreak and initiated a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NCoS urged the public to remain calm and support security efforts by reporting any suspicious activity.
The service assured Nigerians that custodial centres remain secure and that additional measures are being put in place to reinforce facility safety and inmate management.