Abuja – Twelve inmates have escaped from a medium-security prison in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria in the early hours of Monday, according to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Kogi State is about two hundred and fifteen kilometres east of Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital City.
A spokesperson for the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that two of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are underway to find the remaining ten. He added that a full investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
Mr. Umar stated that authorities are trying to determine how the inmates managed to escape without causing significant structural damage to the facility. He also confirmed the death of a prison officer during the incident. “We are working closely with the police and other security agencies to ensure that the escaped inmates are rearrested and brought back to custody,” he said.
Interior Minister Orders Probe
Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the prison break. Describing the incident as “unfortunate,” the minister vowed to ensure all fleeing inmates are captured, stating that the ministry would utilize the service’s biometric data and technological resources to aid in their recapture.
Mr. Tunji-Ojo also directed the Acting Comptroller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the Koton Karfe facility to assess the situation and begin a comprehensive audit of the events leading up to the escape. The minister assured the public that the ministry and security agencies are working to maintain law and order.
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