- Nationwide review of correctional facilities ordered
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced the recapture of five inmates who escaped during the jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, confirmed that a manhunt is ongoing for the remaining escapees.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) 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 incident, some inmates manipulated the padlocks in a section of the facility, leading to the escape of 12 inmates,” Umar stated.
Following the breach, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, in collaboration with heads of other security agencies, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State, swiftly deployed personnel to secure the facility, restore order, and launch a coordinated search operation.
“As of now, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” Umar added.
Comprehensive Investigation and Security Audit Ordered
Umar disclosed that the Acting Controller General has directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak. Additionally, a security audit of all correctional facilities nationwide has been ordered to prevent future occurrences.
“A nationwide security audit is underway to strengthen the security framework across all correctional facilities. We urge members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” Umar stated.
He assured Nigerians that securing custodial centers remains a top priority for the Service.
“The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” he added.
Minister of Interior Orders Immediate Probe
Reacting 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 vowed that all fleeing inmates would be recaptured using the Service’s biometric database and advanced surveillance technology.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao, the Minister has also directed the Acting Controller General of the NCoS to visit the Koton-Karfe facility, assess the situation, and initiate a comprehensive audit to identify the security lapses that led to the breach.
“We are on top of the situation. Our personnel are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a thorough audit of the incident to prevent future occurrences,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening correctional security systems and ensuring that such breaches do not recur.
