By Hassanat Adebowale
The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has successfully recaptured five of the 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State. The incident occurred early Monday, prompting immediate action from authorities to secure the facility and track down the fugitives.
Abubakar Umar, the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) and Deputy Controller of Corrections, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Abuja. According to Umar, the jailbreak resulted from some Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs) manipulating padlocks in a section of the facility, which facilitated their escape.
Upon receiving the report, Acting Controller-General of NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, mobilized a team in collaboration with senior officials from sister security agencies and the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State. Personnel were deployed to restore order at the custodial centre, secure its premises, and launch a manhunt for the escaped inmates.
“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” Umar stated. He also revealed that the Acting Controller-General has ordered a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
In addition, Umar confirmed that a nationwide security audit is being conducted across all correctional facilities to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. “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 inmates. Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” he added.
Umar assured Nigerians that custodial centres are secure, with reinforced measures in place to guarantee safety and strengthen operations across correctional facilities. He emphasized the NCoS’s commitment to its mandate of ensuring the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
The jailbreak has raised questions about facility security, with authorities promising transparency and accountability as investigations continue. Efforts to locate the remaining escapees remain a priority for law enforcement agencies.
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