JUST IN: 16 inmates escape from Keffi prison

Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (New), in Nasarawa State in the early hours of Tuesday after breaching security and attacking personnel on duty, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed.

According to a statement by NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, “some inmates breached the security of the facility, attacked personnel on duty, and compromised the situation, enabling sixteen (16) inmates to escape custody.”

The incident left five custodial officers injured, with two in serious condition. “Two of the personnel are currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility,” Abubakar said.

He added that “seven (7) of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining nine.

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who visited the facility shortly after the incident, described it as “unacceptable and deeply concerning.” He vowed that “no staff will be spared if found culpable” and directed “an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.”

Nwakuche urged residents to assist security forces: “We call on members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.”

The NCoS said preliminary investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the escape. “The Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” Abubakar stated.