KOTON KARFE, Nigeria – The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that five out of the twelve inmates who escaped from the medium-security custodial centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have been recaptured.
The escape occurred during an early morning prison break on Monday, March 24, 2025, sparking a swift response from NCoS and other security agencies.
Abubakar Umar, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Monday detailing the immediate actions taken after the incident.
“The NCoS launched a manhunt for the escapees immediately after the incident,” he said, adding that Sylvester Nwakuche, the acting Controller-General of the NCoS, along with heads of security agencies and the senior special adviser to the governor of Kogi, mobilised quickly to the facility.
Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information, confirmed that approximately 12 inmates had escaped during the break-in, leading to heightened security at the facility.
“Personnel were also deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees,” Umar noted.
As of now, five of the escaped inmates have been recaptured, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals.
“The NCoS acting controller-general has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Umar added.
The NCoS has called on members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and provide any useful information that may aid in the recapture of the remaining inmates.
“Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency,” the statement read.
Despite the breach, Umar reassured the public that custodial centres remain secure.
He confirmed that security measures are being reinforced across all facilities, with a strong commitment from the NCoS to maintain the safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
