The Federal Government has successfully recaptured five out of the 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, during a jailbreak in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2025.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), DCC Abubakar Umar, the incident occurred when inmates in one section of the facility tampered with the padlocks, allowing 12 of them to escape.
Upon receiving reports of the escape, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, swiftly mobilized security personnel in collaboration with heads of other security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor.
Their efforts led to the reinforcement of security at the facility and the launch of a manhunt for the fleeing inmates.
So far, five of the escapees have been apprehended, while efforts continue to track down the remaining seven.
The Acting Controller General has also ordered a thorough investigation into the jailbreak and initiated a security audit across correctional facilities nationwide to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing any useful information that could aid in recapturing the remaining fugitives. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining secure custodial centers, the Nigerian Correctional Service assured that measures are being strengthened to enhance security and ensure correctional facilities effectively fulfill their role in custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
