- Interior Minister orders immediate investigation
Twelve inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, following an early morning jailbreak on Monday.
Confirming the incident, the National Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abubakar Umar, stated that all the escapees were Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI). He noted that two have already been recaptured, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining ten.
“Twelve inmates escaped from our Koton Karfe facility. They were all awaiting trial. Two have been recaptured, and we are working to capture the others,” Umar said.
He further disclosed that all search and tracking mechanisms have been activated to locate and recapture the fleeing inmates. Security agencies, including the police and other law enforcement bodies, have been mobilized and are coordinating efforts to secure the area and track the movements of the escapees.
Umar confirmed that the jailbreak resulted in the death of one correctional officer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed. He expressed deep concern over the loss and extended condolences to the officer’s family, assuring them that the Service would provide full support during this difficult period.
“We deeply regret the loss of one of our officers during this incident. His sacrifice will not be in vain, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Umar added.
In response to the incident, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the jailbreak. He described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure that the escapees are swiftly apprehended.
According to a statement released by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao, the Minister has directed the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility, assess the damage, and initiate a full-scale audit to identify the security lapses that led to the breach.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit to uncover the details behind this incident and prevent a recurrence,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister emphasized that the government would leverage the service’s robust biometric database and existing technology infrastructure to track down the escapees. He assured the public that all security agencies are fully engaged and working in synergy to address the situation.
“We have a sophisticated biometric tracking system in place, and all security agencies are on high alert. We will not rest until all the escapees are back in custody,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo further stressed that the incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures and reforms within the nation’s correctional facilities. He stated that a detailed security review would be conducted to strengthen operational capacity, improve infrastructure, and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This incident highlights the urgent need to reassess our security protocols. We will work closely with the Nigerian Correctional Service to implement stronger security frameworks and ensure that our custodial centres are better equipped to handle such threats,” the Minister said.
He called for increased collaboration between security agencies, local authorities, and community leaders to enhance intelligence gathering and security monitoring around custodial facilities.
Tunji-Ojo also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could aid in the swift recapture of the remaining fugitives.
“We appeal to the public to provide any useful information that may assist in locating the escapees. Their safe return to custody is a top priority,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for the breach are held accountable. He stated that disciplinary measures would be enforced where negligence or complicity is established during the investigation.
“We are committed to holding accountable anyone whose actions or inactions may have contributed to this breach. Justice will be served, and we will take decisive steps to prevent future occurrences,” Tunji-Ojo assured.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has also pledged to enhance staff training, upgrade security infrastructure, and strengthen internal monitoring systems to safeguard against future security breaches.
As of the time of this report, the search for the ten remaining escapees is ongoing, with security forces conducting operations in and around Kogi State to secure their return to custody.
