FG orders probe into Kogi prison break
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an immediate investigation into the jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre, Kogi State, which occurred early Monday morning.
Tunji-Ojo called the incident “unfortunate” and assured Nigerians that all escaped inmates would be recaptured through advanced biometric technology and other security measures.
The jailbreak occurred when inmates tampered with padlocks in one section of the facility, enabling 12 prisoners to flee.
A statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, read, “The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate probe into the unfortunate prison break incident at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State.
“The minister describes the incident as unfortunate, and vows to ensure all fleeing inmates are captured leveraging the service’s robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions.”
The minister also instructed the acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility in Kogi, assess the situation, and initiate a thorough audit to uncover the circumstances behind the incident.
READ ALSO: 12 inmates escape in Kogi prison break
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” Tunji-Ojo said.
Meanwhile, the NCoS confirmed the recapture of five of the escaped inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe.
In a statement, NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the escape and explained that the acting Controller General of Corrections quickly mobilised a response in collaboration with local security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State.
“Personnel were dispatched to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.
The statement further indicated that a comprehensive investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape.
Additionally, a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities is being conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The NCoS assured the public that steps were being taken to strengthen security measures at custodial centres nationwide.
The service also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities to assist in the recapture of the remaining escapees.
“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice.
“The acting Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. 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 centres remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities,” the NCoS stated.
Also, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the government is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
“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, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo said.
The Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State has witnessed a troubling trend of jailbreaks over the past decade, with four separate incidents reported in the last 10 years.
The first incident occurred on July 29, 2016, when 13 inmates escaped from the correctional centre.
Three years later, on October 28, 2019, a flood overwhelmed a section of the same facility, allowing 122 inmates to escape as the floodwaters breached the correctional centre.
A violent attack occurred on September 13, 2021, when unidentified gunmen targeted the Kabba Correctional Centre, killing two security operatives.
During the attack, the assailants also freed 240 inmates after attacking a nearby military checkpoint.
The latest escape took place on Monday, when a group of inmates managed to manipulate padlocks in one section of the Koton Karfe correctional centre, leading to the escape of twelve individuals.
The Koton Karfe custodial centre was built in 1934.
These repeated incidents of jailbreaks over the years have raised concerns about the state of security in Kogi’s correctional facilities.
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