The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that five out of the twelve escaped inmates from Kogi Prison have been recaptured. This follows a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, where the escape occurred in the early hours of March 24, 2024.
In a statement from Abubakar Umar, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, it was revealed that some inmates manipulated padlocks, allowing twelve of them to flee. Officials promptly activated a manhunt for the escaped inmates from Kogi Prison. As of now, five have been successfully recaptured, while efforts continue to locate the remaining seven.
Read Also: INEC Receives Petition With Over 250,000 Signatures to Recall Senator Natasha Akpoti
The Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has been overseeing the situation. He, along with other security agency heads, worked to restore order and secure the facility following the incident. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of custodial centers,” Umar stated, encouraging the public to provide any information that might assist in recapturing the remaining escapees.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an investigation into the jailbreak incident at Koton-Karfe. He described the event as unfortunate and emphasized that all necessary resources, including advanced technology, will be utilized to ensure the remaining fleeing inmates from Kogi Prison are captured.
Umar mentioned that all escapees are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI) and confirmed that, as of now, two have been caught. With one officer tragically killed during the incident, additional security audits are being conducted across all correctional facilities to prevent future occurrences.
The NCoS remains dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities regarding the custody and rehabilitation of inmates, and the situation in Koton-Karfe is being closely monitored.
