By Olumide Olusegun |
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the recapture of five inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, after tampering with the facility’s padlock.
In a statement on Monday, NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, revealed that the jailbreak occurred in the early hours of March 24, 2024, when some inmates manipulated the locks in their section, allowing 12 prisoners to escape.
Following the incident, Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, swiftly mobilized security agencies, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor, to restore order and track down the fleeing inmates.
“So far, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the others,” Umar stated.
The NCoS has launched a thorough investigation into the jailbreak and is conducting a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security operatives.
“The safety of custodial centers remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities,” the statement assured.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered an immediate probe into the escape.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the incident as unfortunate and vowed that all escaped inmates would be recaptured.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” the minister stated through his aide, Babatunde Alao, on Monday.
