The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the recapture of five out of 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, following a security breach on Monday morning. Authorities are still working to apprehend the remaining escapees as the hunt intensifies.
The escape occurred in the early hours of Monday when a group of inmates at the facility managed to manipulate the padlocks securing one section of the prison, enabling them to flee. The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at correctional facilities across the country, and the Nigerian Correctional Service has moved quickly to address the breach.
The escape took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre located in Koton-Karfe, a town in the central part of Kogi State. According to a statement from the NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, the inmates took advantage of the faulty padlocks in one section of the facility to stage their escape. A total of 12 inmates managed to break free, causing significant alarm among the authorities.
Upon receiving the news of the escape, the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, immediately activated a response team. In collaboration with other security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Kogi State, a comprehensive manhunt was launched to apprehend the fleeing inmates.
The NCoS spokesperson confirmed that five of the escapees have already been recaptured. While the authorities have made progress in apprehending the fugitives, efforts to capture the remaining seven inmates are ongoing. The recaptured individuals are now back in custody, and a full investigation is underway to determine how they managed to escape and to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The escape has highlighted security challenges faced by correctional facilities in Nigeria, where many custodial centres are often overcrowded and underfunded. The Nigerian Correctional Service has reassured the public that steps are being taken to strengthen security measures at custodial facilities across the country.
“The escape from Koton-Karfe is unfortunate, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that the remaining inmates are captured,” said Nwakuche. “Our personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been deployed to secure the facility and restore order. We are also making sure that such incidents are prevented in the future.”
The NCoS has initiated a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities to identify weaknesses and address potential risks. This move is in response to growing concerns over the safety and security of prisons and their ability to prevent escapes and other criminal activities.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape, and we will take necessary action to prevent future occurrences,” Nwakuche added. “Our primary focus is to ensure that security at custodial centres is reinforced.”
While five inmates have been recaptured, security forces are still working hard to locate the remaining seven escapees. The NCoS has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities that could lead to the recapture of the fugitives. Citizens are also being urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to help track down the escapees and bring them to justice.
The escape has prompted concerns among local residents and Nigerians at large about the state of security in correctional facilities, particularly given the ongoing issue of prison breakouts in the country. In 2021, a similar escape occurred at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, Abuja, when over 800 inmates escaped, many of whom were dangerous criminals. This latest incident at Koton-Karfe has added to the growing calls for reform and greater investment in the country’s prison system.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched a full investigation to determine how the inmates managed to manipulate the padlocks and escape undetected. The investigation will include reviewing security protocols, examining the condition of the facility, and identifying any potential flaws that may have contributed to the incident.
Authorities are also focusing on the involvement of any staff members or outside collaborators who may have aided in the escape. While no evidence of internal complicity has been reported so far, the investigation will explore every possible angle to ensure accountability and transparency.
As part of the ongoing investigation, a security audit is being conducted at custodial centres nationwide to evaluate and improve security measures. The audit is expected to address key issues such as the management of inmates, the maintenance of security equipment, and the training of staff to prevent further incidents.
The Koton-Karfe escape is just the latest in a series of security breaches that have raised concerns about the vulnerability of Nigerian correctional facilities. Many of these facilities are overcrowded, with inmates living in poor conditions that are ripe for exploitation. Despite efforts by the Nigerian government to reform the prison system, there are still many challenges to achieving long-term improvements.
Security experts have called for stronger measures to prevent future escapes, including better surveillance systems, more trained personnel, and modernizing correctional facilities. With the rise of organized crime and militant groups, the need for effective prison management has never been more urgent.
In the wake of the Koton-Karfe escape, the Nigerian Correctional Service has sought to reassure the public that they are taking the necessary steps to ensure that the remaining escapees are captured and that security measures at custodial facilities are reinforced. The NCoS has committed to holding those responsible for the breach accountable and preventing similar incidents in the future.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service remains dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of all facilities under our care,” said Nwakuche. “We are working tirelessly to bring the remaining escapees to justice and strengthen our security systems to prevent future escapes.”
The NCoS has also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies and remain alert to help in the ongoing search for the remaining escapees.
