By Eniola Phillips
Sixteen inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, after they attacked and overpowered warders on duty in the early hours of Tuesday.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar. According to the statement, the inmates “breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation.”
The violent breakout resulted in injuries to five correctional officers, with two of them sustaining serious wounds. The injured officers are currently receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.
In a swift response, the NCoS immediately launched a manhunt for the escapees. The service has confirmed that seven of the 16 fleeing inmates have since been recaptured and returned to custody.
Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility to assess the situation. He has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and warned that any staff found to be complicit would be severely disciplined.
The NCoS has also directed a collaborative search operation with other security agencies to track down and apprehend the remaining escapees. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings of the fugitives to the nearest security formation.
