By Pauline Podka
SIXTEEN inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi in Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, following a breach of security and an attack on personnel on duty.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the escape occurred when some inmates compromised the facility’s security, leaving five personnel injured.
“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility,” the statement read.
Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are underway to track down the remaining nine.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who visited the facility after the incident, ordered a thorough investigation and warned that “no staff will be spared if found culpable.”
He further directed an immediate search operation in collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure the escapees are returned to custody.
Nwakuche appealed to members of the public to assist in the manhunt by reporting any suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates,” he said.
While preliminary investigations continue, the NCoS reassured Nigerians of its “unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”