A major security breach hit the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, early Tuesday when sixteen inmates escaped in a coordinated attack.
The incident has raised fresh alarm over prison security in Nigeria.
The prison break occurred after inmates overpowered guards, injuring five correctional officers—two of them critically.
The injured officers are receiving treatment at a government hospital.
NCoS confirms, launches probe
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), through its spokesperson Abubakar Umar, confirmed the incident.
He said seven escapees had been recaptured, while a manhunt was underway for the remaining nine.
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, visited the facility for an on-the-spot assessment and ordered an immediate investigation.
He stressed that no staff member found complicit would be spared.
“This is a grave situation, and we are treating it with the utmost urgency. The safety of Nigerians is our priority,” Nwakuche said.
The NCoS said it is working with other security agencies to track down the escapees nationwide.
Nigerians have been urged to stay calm but alert, and report any suspicious movements to the nearest security outpost.
