…Police Begin Search
Two convicted inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State, triggering a manhunt by security agencies to track them down.
The inmates reportedly escaped at about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to a police situation report from the Okene Divisional Police Headquarters.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying it was collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and other security agencies to recapture the fleeing inmates.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, said the command had received an official report from the correctional facility and that efforts to locate and apprehend the escapees were ongoing.
“The Kogi State Police Command confirms the escape of two convicted inmates from the Okene Correctional Centre on Sunday, 8th November 2026, at about 1030 hours,” the police statement read.
“Efforts to trace and apprehend the fleeing inmates are ongoing.”
Although the police did not officially disclose their identities, a situation report from the Okene division identified them as Samson David, convicted of theft, and Salvation Moro, convicted of armed robbery.
The report indicated that the inmates escaped through the facility’s rear perimeter fence. Their photographs were reportedly attached to the document to assist security operatives in identifying and apprehending them.
Earlier, the NCoS confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Jane Osuji.
Ms Osuji said the Service had commenced efforts to recapture the inmates in collaboration with relevant security agencies.
She added that a comprehensive report was being awaited to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape.
According to her, the Controller-General of Corrections had ordered a thorough investigation to identify possible security lapses and determine appropriate action.
The Service assured the public that it was taking necessary measures to return the escapees to custody and promised to provide further updates as verified information became available.
The incident comes two weeks after another inmate escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi, Edo State.
The inmate, identified as 28-year-old Osita Thomas, escaped during a court appearance while facing trial over allegations of conspiracy and stealing.
The Edo State Command of the NCoS subsequently appealed to the public for information that could lead to his arrest, assuring residents that efforts were underway to recapture him.
- 54 Officials Face Sanctions as INEC Deletes 1.6m Invalid Records - November 10, 2026
- Makinde Accuses APC of Stealing Ideas From His 2027 Presidential Manifesto - November 10, 2026
- Wike Promises ₦10m to Every FCT Councillor Who Delivers Ward for Tinubu - November 10, 2026