The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the recapture of five out of 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, following a security breach on Monday morning.
The NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, the escape occurred when a group of inmates manipulated padlocks in one section of the facility, allowing twelve individuals to flee.
Upon learning of the incident, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester 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 dispatched to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.
As of now, five of the twelve escaped inmates have been successfully recaptured, with efforts continuing 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 statement also noted that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, and a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities is underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NCoS has assured the public that steps are being taken to strengthen security measures at custodial centres across the country.
The service also 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 centres were being reinforced.