Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday after overpowering personnel on duty.
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, said in a statement that the escapees attacked officers during the jailbreak, leaving five injured. Two of the officers are in serious condition and are receiving treatment at a government hospital.
According to Abubakar, seven of the fugitives have been recaptured, while a manhunt is ongoing for the remaining nine in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody. In the process of containing the situation, five officers sustained injuries, with two in serious condition,” he stated.
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The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility shortly after the incident. He ordered a thorough investigation into the jailbreak and warned that any staff found complicit would face disciplinary action.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security formation.
“While preliminary investigations are ongoing, the Service reassures the public of its commitment to safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” Abubakar added.