Kogi Prison Break: FG Orders Probe, Recapture Of 10 Inmates

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an urgent investigation into the prison break at the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi State, which led to the escape of twelve inmates and the killing of a correctional officer.

While describing the incident as “unfortunate,” on Monday, the minister vowed that all fleeing inmates would be recaptured using the service’s biometric database and advanced technology solutions.

He also directed the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility immediately and conduct a comprehensive audit to uncover the circumstances surrounding the breach.

“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a thorough audit to get to the root of this incident,” Tunji-Ojo said in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Babatunde Alao.

The jailbreak reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday, with all twelve escapees being Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI).

So far, two have been recaptured, while security forces are intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining ten.

The National Spokesperson for the NCoS, Abubakar Umar, who confirmed the incident to journalists, expressed concern over the death of a correctional officer in the attack.

“Twelve inmates escaped from the Koton Karfe custodial centre. They were all awaiting trial. Two have been captured, and we are working tirelessly to track down the others,” Umar stated.

He noted that authorities have activated all search mechanisms, including collaborations with other security agencies, to ensure the swift recapture of the fugitives.

The latest prison break raises renewed concerns over security lapses in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

On September 10, 2024, a prison break occurred at the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Borno State, following flooding that resulted from the collapse of the Alau Dam.

Over 200 inmates had escaped as a result of the incident.