The Acting Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered an urgent manhunt for nine escaped prisoners still on the run after a jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State.
During his assessment visit to the facility on Monday, Nwakuche also directed a full-scale investigation into how the inmates managed to escape, vowing that those responsible—both inside and outside the prison—would be held accountable.
The daring breakout, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw 12 inmates manipulate the facility’s locks, making a swift escape. Tragically, the incident also claimed the life of a correctional officer. So far, security forces have managed to recapture five of the fugitives, but the remaining nine are still at large.
Nwakuche praised the swift response of security operatives in tracking down some of the escapees and announced an immediate security audit across all correctional facilities in the country to prevent future occurrences.
He urged the public to remain calm and assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious movements that could lead to the re-arrest of the remaining fugitives.
“Citizens should be vigilant and report any unusual activity to the nearest security agency,” Nwakuche stated. “The safety of our correctional centers is a top priority, and we are reinforcing security to prevent future breaches.”
The NCoS reassured Nigerians that it remains committed to its core mission—ensuring safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
