KOTON KARFE JAILBREAK: Interior Minister Orders Probe

Picture of the Koton Karfe Medium Correctional Centre 

"All the fleeing inmates will be captured, leveraging on the Service's robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions." Tunji-Ojo reassures.

.... Says, "We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation".

Following the unfortunate prison break incident that occured at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered for an immediate probe.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Dr. Tunji-Ojo has vowed that all the fleeing inmates will be captured, leveraging on the service's robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions.

The Minister, in a statement issued and signed by Babatunde Alao, his Special Adviser on Media, has also ordered the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility in Kogi to evaluate the situation, and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.

"We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation," he assured.

Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) while confirming the security breach at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar disclosed in a statement that the Monday morning incident occurred following manipulation, by some inmates in a section of the facility, with the padlocks, which resulted to the escape of 12 inmates.

"Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Acting Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies including the SSA to the Governor of Kogi state, immediately mobilized to the facility, and personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees. 

"As of this moment, five (5) of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice." The statement read.

He noted that "the Acting Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escaped. Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all correctional facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences. 

"The Service urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

"The Service assures Nigerians that the safety of custodial centers remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates." He stated.