By Our Correspondent in Lokoja
A jailbreak has rocked the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facility in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, with 12 inmates escaping into the night. Authorities have confirmed the incident, sparking a manhunt for the fugitives.
A reliable source told our correspondent that the prison break occurred under circumstances that remain unclear
The Comptroller General of Prisons is reportedly en route to Koton-Karfe to assess the situation.
The Kogi State Government has described the development as “unfortunate” and assured residents that security agencies are working to prevent a recurrence.
Kogi’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that one of the escapees has been re-arrested.
“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.
“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, apprehend the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo stated.
He said that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to tighten measures and ensure such breaches do not happen again.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
The Commissioner assured citizens that there is no cause for panic, urging them to go about their daily activities, adding that law enforcement have intensified efforts to recapture the remaining escapees.
The Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, Nigeria, has experienced multiple jailbreaks over the years,first in 2012,led by Mohammed Sokoto.
It was followed in November 2014 when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attack led to the escape of approximately 144 inmates,one inmate was killed, and about 45 escapees were later recaptured.
Next wash July 2016 when 13 inmates escaped by forcefully bringing down a section of the prison wall around 7 a.m. The facility, designed to hold 180 inmates, was accommodating 263 at the time. One escapee was quickly re-arrested by security agents. This marked the third jailbreak in Koton Karfe within a span of six years, following previous incidents in 2010 and 2013.
The latest episode was March 2025in the early hours of March 24, 12 inmates escaped from the facility.
Sources said two inmates have been recaptured, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining 10.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.
Members of the public these recurring incidents highlight ongoing challenges in securing correctional facilities and underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance prison security and management.
A.I.
Edited by Dada Ahmed
