Sixteen (16) inmates have escaped in a violent jailbreak that left five correctional officers injured, two of them critically at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday.
The incident had sparked nationwide manhunt and renewing concerns over prison security across the country.
The spokesperson of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Umar Abubakar who confirmed the incident in a statements, said the escape occurred when a group of inmates breached the facility’s security and attacked personnel on duty.
Abubakar stated that the injured officers are receiving treatment at a government hospital, with two reported to be in serious condition.
“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.
“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility,” he said.
He added that the remaining nine fugitives are still at large, and security agencies have launched a coordinated search operation.
The NCoS urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest security formation.
Meanwhile, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, who visited the facility shortly after the incident, described the breach as “unacceptable and deeply concerning.”
Nwakuche said no staff will be spared if found culpable and ordered a thorough investigation and warned that any staff found complicit would face disciplinary action.
He said: “Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies”.
Recall that in response to mounting allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and inhumane treatment within the NCoS, the Ministry of Interior had established an Independent Investigative Panel in early 2025.
Chaired by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, and coordinated by Dr. Uju Agomoh, CEO of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), the panel has launched a nationwide inquiry into systemic failures across custodial facilities.
Nigeria has witnessed jailbreaks over the past decade, from 2015 to 2022 alone, there were at least 13 successful jailbreaks and eight unsuccessful attempts, resulting in the escape of over 6,600 inmates.
By 2025, the number of incidents had climbed to 18, with nearly 9,000 inmates freed—many of whom remain at large.
One of the most high-profile jailbreaks occurred when terrorists attacked the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, freeing hundreds of inmates, including Boko Haram suspects.
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