16 inmates escape from Keffi custodial centre

… seven recaptured as security agencies on manhunt for fleeing inmates

… NCoS CG orders thorough investigation

No fewer than 16 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (new), Nasarawa State, following a breach of security at the facility.

The incident occurred at the early hours of Tuesday when some inmates attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 of them to escape custody.

Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer of NCoS, Umar Abubakar, confirmed the development to newsmen in Abuja, disclosing, however, that seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured.

He revealed that five personnel of the Custodial Centre who were trying to contain the situation sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.

He disclosed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who visited the facility earlier, has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape.

The NCoS boss vowed to punish any staff found culpable in the incident while reassuring the public of the Service’s unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.

The statement by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar, confirming the jailbreak read: “The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August, 2025 at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (New), Nasarawa State.

“Some inmates breached the security of the facility, and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling sixteen (16) inmates to escape custody.

“In the course of containing the situation, five (5) personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.

“Seven (7) of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.

“The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape.

“He said no staff will be spared if found culpable. Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.

“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE