The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has initiated a comprehensive manhunt following a security breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa state, in the early hours of Tuesday. The escape, which saw 16 inmates overpower personnel on duty, resulted in five officers sustaining injuries, with two currently in serious condition and receiving medical care.
As of the latest update, seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, leaving nine still at large. The NCoS is working in collaboration with other security agencies to track down the remaining escapees.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered a full investigation into the incident, vowing that any staff found to be complicit will face disciplinary action. In a statement, the NCoS urged the public to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious sightings to the nearest security formation to aid in the ongoing recapture efforts
Abubakar said that the Controller-General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, had visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
He quoted Nwakuche as saying that no staff would be spared if found culpable and that an immediate search operation had been launched in collaboration with sister security agencies to recapture the remaining inmates.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of the fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.
He added that preliminary investigations were ongoing and reassured the public of the service’s unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.
