In a security breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, 16 inmates escaped in the early hours of Tuesday after overpowering personnel on duty. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident, stating that five officers sustained varying degrees of injury while trying to contain the situation, with two currently in serious condition.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, the inmates reportedly overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout.

Five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

A swift response by security forces has led to the recapture of seven of the fleeing inmates, while a coordinated manhunt is now underway to apprehend the remaining nine.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August 2025, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

“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 serio

The statement also confirmed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Nwakuche stated that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

He also directed a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing inmates, working closely with other security agencies.

“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement noted.