The Federal Government has announced the recapture of five out of the twelve inmates who escaped during a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, on Monday.
A statement from the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), DCC Abubakar Umar, confirmed that the incident occurred in the early hours of March 24, 2024.
Umar explained that some inmates in a section of the facility managed to manipulate the padlocks, which allowed them to break free.
Following the escape, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, promptly coordinated with security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor to respond to the situation. Security personnel were deployed to restore order and track down the fugitives.
“As of now, five of the escaped inmates have been rearrested, and efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining individuals and ensure they face justice,” the statement read.
To prevent future occurrences, Nwakuche has directed a thorough investigation into the jailbreak, alongside a comprehensive security assessment of all correctional facilities nationwide.
The NCoS called on the public to stay vigilant and assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities that could aid in locating the remaining fugitives.
Reaffirming its commitment to security, the service assured Nigerians that measures are being reinforced to strengthen the protection of custodial centres while ensuring the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
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