16 inmates escape as NCoS confirms jailbreak in Nasarawa

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (New) in Nasarawa state, leading to the escape of 16 inmates.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, saw inmates breach the facility’s security, overpower personnel on duty and flee.

Umar Abubakar, public relations officer of NCoS, said five personnel were injured while trying to contain the situation, with two in serious condition and receiving urgent treatment in a government hospital.

He said seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured while nine remain on the run as the service intensifies a manhunt in collaboration with other security agencies.

“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.

In the course of containing the situation, five personnel sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.

Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” he said.

Abubakar added that Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, controller-general of corrections, visited the facility after the incident and ordered a thorough investigation.

Nwakuche warned that no staff found culpable in the breach would be spared and directed an immediate search operation to recapture the escapees.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security formation.

The NCoS said it is working with sister security agencies to ensure all escapees are apprehended, adding that preliminary investigations are ongoing.