The Nigerian Government has successfully recaptured five out of the 12 inmates who escaped from lawful custody during a jailbreak on Monday, March 24, 2024, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when inmates in a particular section of the facility managed to manipulate the padlocks, facilitating their escape.
In a statement, NCoS spokesman, DCC Abubakar Umar, confirmed that following the jailbreak, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, along with heads of relevant security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State, quickly mobilized to the scene. Personnel were deployed to restore order, secure the facility, and begin a manhunt for the escaped inmates.
“As of now, five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitives and bring them to justice,” Umar stated.
The Acting Controller General has directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the escape, while also calling for a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities to prevent future incidents.
In the wake of the jailbreak, the NCoS has urged the public to remain calm and work with security agencies by reporting any useful information that could assist in the recapture of the remaining escapees. The service emphasized that the safety of custodial centers remains a top priority, with strengthened security measures being implemented across all facilities.
The NCoS reassured the public that it remains committed to maintaining safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates within Nigeria’s correctional system.
