SUXTEEN inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, after breaching the facility’s security in the early hours of Tuesday, News Point Nigeria gathered.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar made available to News Point Nigeria, the escape occurred after some inmates overpowered security measures, attacked correctional officers on duty, and compromised the facility’s integrity.
In the ensuing chaos, five personnel of the custodial centre sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Umar revealed that two of the injured officers are in critical condition and are receiving urgent medical care at a government hospital.
The NCoS said swift intervention had led to the recapture of seven of the fleeing inmates, who have since been returned to custody.
Search operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining escapees.
Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility shortly after the incident and ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
He warned that any staff found negligent or complicit would face severe disciplinary measures.
“No officer will be spared if found culpable,” Nwakuche stated, adding that the service had launched a joint manhunt in collaboration with sister security agencies to track down the remaining escapees.
The NCoS has called on members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escaped inmates to the nearest security formation.
Preliminary investigations are underway, with the Service reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all custodial facilities and ensuring public safety nationwide.
