BREAKING: 5 inmates re-arrested after Kogi jailbreak, search continues

The Federal Government has announced the recapture of five out of the 12 inmates who escaped during Monday’s jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State.

In a statement, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), DCC Abubakar Umar, confirmed that the escape occurred in the early hours of March 24, 2024.

According to Umar, the incident happened when some inmates in a section of the facility tampered with padlocks, facilitating their escape.

“Upon receiving reports of the jailbreak, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State, immediately mobilized security personnel to restore order and initiate a manhunt for the escapees,” he stated.

He further revealed that five of the fugitives had been recaptured, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates.

The Acting Controller General has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.

“In addition, a security audit is being carried out across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences,” Umar added.

The NCoS urged the public to remain calm and assist security agencies by providing any useful information that could aid in recapturing the remaining fugitives.

“The safety of custodial centres remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” the statement concluded.