Five Inmates Recaptured After Kogi Prison Break

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that five out of 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, have been recaptured. The inmates escaped following a security breach at the facility on Monday morning.

According to the NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, the escape occurred when a group of inmates manipulated padlocks in one section of the facility, allowing 12 individuals to flee.

Upon learning of the incident, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, quickly mobilized a response in collaboration with heads of security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State.

Nwakuche, quickly mobilised a response in collaboration with heads of security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State.

Personnel were promptly dispatched to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees. As of now, five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining seven.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service confirms a security breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, 24 March, 2024.

“During the unfortunate incident, some inmates in a section of the facility manipulates with the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates.

“Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies including the SSA to the Governor of kogi State immediately mobilized to the facility, and personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate 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.”

The NCoS has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape and is conducting a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The service has assured the public that steps are being taken to strengthen security measures at custodial centers across the country. The NCoS urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to aid in the recapture of the remaining escapees.

“The Acting Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escaped. Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences,” the statement added.

The Service urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies to aid in the recapture of the remaining inmates, assuring Nigerians that security measures at custodial centers were being reinforced.