ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA), The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has confirmed a jailbreak at the Medium Security Federal Correctional Center in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, where 12 inmates escaped in the early hours of Monday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the correctional facility, Nwakuche revealed that three of the escapees had already been recaptured, while efforts were underway to apprehend the remaining inmates.
He also expressed deep regret over the death of a correctional officer, who was reportedly killed by the fleeing prisoners.
“The remaining escapees will be apprehended. We urge the public to provide security agencies with any useful information that could lead to their arrest,” Nwakuche stated.
The Kogi State Government has pledged full collaboration with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
In a statement signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government described the escape as a serious security breach.
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“The jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government as there are clear evidences of internal compromise and collaboration, leading to the unfortunate breach,” Fanwo said.
He emphasized that the state government had consistently supported federal security agencies by providing logistics and other resources to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Fanwo also raised concerns over reports suggesting that the inmates escaped through the facility’s tower without causing structural damage, calling for a thorough investigation.
“It is imperative to establish the full facts, apprehend all escaped inmates, prevent future occurrences, and identify any internal or external collaborators who may have facilitated this breach,” he stated.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser, Cmdr Jerry Omodara, to work closely with the Federal Correctional Center and other security agencies to prevent a recurrence.
“The Kogi State Government stands ready to provide all necessary support to get to the root of the matter and strengthen security measures across the state,” Fanwo assured.
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He further disclosed that one of the recaptured inmates had begun providing valuable information to security agencies, aiding ongoing investigations.
The Kogi State Government commended the swift response of security agencies in managing the situation and urged residents to remain vigilant.
“We urge all citizens to report any suspicious individuals or activities to law enforcement authorities. Any individual or community found harboring escaped inmates will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
Assuring residents that the situation was under control, he added, “There is no cause for panic. The government, in collaboration with security agencies, is fully in control.
“We encourage everyone to continue their daily activities peacefully, knowing that decisive action is being taken to safeguard lives and property”, he added.
This jailbreak comes nearly nine years after a similar escape at the Koton-Karfe Correctional Center on July 30, 2016, when 13 inmates fled, though six were later recaptured.