Koton Karfe Jailbreak: Nine Inmates Recaptured, Probe Ordered
Nine out of the 12 inmates who escaped during a jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Facility in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have been rearrested.
Although details remain unclear, the state government has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the escape and expressed concerns over possible internal complicity.
In a statement, Fanwo said:
“According to information, 12 inmates escaped from the facility, with one already rearrested and returned to custody.
“The jailbreak theory is unacceptable to the Kogi State Government as there is clear evidence of internal compromise and collaboration, leading to the unfortunate breach.
“As a government, we have consistently supported federal security agencies in their efforts to maintain law and order across the state. This includes providing logistics and other essential resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. Our support extends to correctional centres within the state, reinforcing our commitment to a secure and well-managed correctional system.
“The circumstances surrounding the escape, including reports suggesting that the inmates fled through the tower without causing structural damage to the facility, raise serious concerns that necessitate a thorough investigation.
“It is imperative to establish the full facts, apprehend all escaped inmates, prevent future occurrences, and identify any internal or external collaborators who may have facilitated this breach.
“The security of Kogi State remains our top priority, and we expect the relevant agencies to leave no stone unturned in addressing this incident.”
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with federal authorities to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has also launched an investigation into the jailbreak.
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The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a probe into the escape and vowed that all fleeing inmates would be recaptured.
In a statement, his media aide, Alao Babatunde, said:
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation.”
The Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi, has been directed to visit the facility and commence a full review of the incident.
