The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, describing the incident as “unfortunate.”
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, the minister assured Nigerians that all escaped inmates would be recaptured using biometric technology and other advanced security measures.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
He directed the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility and conduct a full security assessment to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape.
The minister emphasized that no effort would be spared in tracking down the fleeing inmates, adding that security agencies would deploy necessary tools to ensure their swift recapture.
“All necessary measures, including our robust biometric database and existing technology solutions, will be deployed to recapture every escaped inmate,” he said.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Tunji-Ojo reiterated his commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
“The jailbreak at Koton Karfe is unfortunate, but we will get to the root of it. We will not allow breaches like this to go unchecked. Every fugitive will be found and brought to justice,” he wrote.
The minister also assured Nigerians that security at correctional facilities nationwide would be strengthened to prevent future incidents. He stressed that the NCoS would be held accountable for any lapses, with corrective measures implemented swiftly.
The Koton Karfe jailbreak is the latest in a series of security breaches at correctional facilities across the country, raising concerns over prison management and inmate supervision.
