Authorities have confirmed that 16 prisoners escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi (New), Nasarawa State, following a violent incident in the early hours of Tuesday.
Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson Abubakar Umar revealed in a statement that the escape occurred after inmates attacked on-duty officers and breached facility security.
READ ALSO: NCoS launches manhunt as seven inmates escape Ilesa prison
“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody,” Umar said.
He noted that five officers sustained injuries during the confrontation, with two in serious condition and receiving urgent treatment at a government hospital. Seven of the escapees have since been recaptured.
Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche immediately visited the prison and ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident.
He warned that any staff member found culpable would face consequences and directed a coordinated manhunt with other security agencies to locate the remaining fugitives.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm and vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation,” the statement read.
The NCoS assured Nigerians that measures are being taken to strengthen the security of correctional facilities nationwide while investigations continue.
, Nasarawa State, following a violent incident in the early hours of Tuesday.){kind=link}