Sixteen inmates broke out of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, overpowering correctional officers on duty.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service , Umar Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that five officers were injured while trying to contain the situation. Two of them are in critical condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.
“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody,” Abubakar said. “Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.”
Following the jailbreak, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the centre and ordered a thorough investigation into how the escape happened.
“No staff will be spared if found culpable,” Nwakuche warned, adding that a coordinated manhunt is underway in collaboration with other security agencies.
The NCoS appealed to members of the public to remain calm, be vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or sightings of the remaining escapees to the nearest security post.
“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement concluded.