Five out of the 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have been recaptured, according to a statement from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar confirmed that the jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Monday, March 24, when some inmates tampered with the padlocks in a section of the facility, facilitating their escape.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, in collaboration with security agencies and the Kogi State Government, deployed personnel to restore order and launch a manhunt for the fugitives.
“So far, five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining fugitives,” Mr. Umar stated, adding that one officer lost his life during the incident.
In response to the escape, Mr. Nwakuche ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak. A security audit is also being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future incidents. The NCoS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that may assist in the recapture of the remaining inmates.
The Koton Karfe prison has a history of jailbreaks. Since 2012, nearly 700 inmates have escaped from the facility due to various security breaches, including attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, violent raids, and natural disasters such as flooding.
Source : https://www.premiumtimesng.com/
