By our reporter
At least 16 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed.
The jailbreak occurred after a violent breach of the facility’s security during which prison personnel were attacked. Five officers sustained injuries, with two reported to be in critical condition and receiving urgent medical attention.
Authorities say seven of the escaped inmates have already been recaptured, while security agencies have launched a manhunt to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and warned that any staff found culpable will face disciplinary action.
This incident adds to a growing list of prison breaks across Nigeria in recent years, despite repeated government assurances of tighter security following past attacks, including the high-profile 2022 Kuje prison raid.
