The Nigeria 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 prison break in the early hours of Monday.
In a statement issued on Monday, Abubakar Umar, NCoS spokesperson said the service immediately launched a manhunt for the fleeing inmates.
BusinessDay had reported that Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information, had earlier disclosed that 12 inmates managed to escape during the incident.
Reacting to the development, Sylvester Nwakuche, the acting Controller-General of NCoS, swiftly mobilized security personnel in collaboration with sister security agencies and top government officials, including the Senior Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor.
Read also: Kogi Prison Break: 12 inmates escape as state government demands probe
“Security forces were deployed to restore order, reinforce security at the facility, and track down the escapees.
“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,” the statement reads.
The acting Controller-General has also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could lead to the rearrest of the remaining fugitives.
“Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement added.
NCoS reassured Nigerians that custodial centres remain secure, emphasizing that additional measures are being put in place to strengthen security across all correctional facilities.
Just as it reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates while preventing future security breaches.
