Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, during the early hours of Tuesday following a breach of the prison’s security.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the escape occurred after the inmates overpowered officers on duty.
The statement confirmed that “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 process of trying to restore order, five prison staff sustained injuries, with two in serious condition and currently receiving urgent medical attention in a government hospital.
Authorities have confirmed that seven of the escapees have been recaptured and are back in custody, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining fugitives. The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility shortly after the incident and ordered a detailed investigation into how the breach occurred. He stressed that any staff member found responsible would face disciplinary action.
“The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape. He said no staff will be spared if found culpable. Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies. Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation,” the statement added.
This latest escape adds to a series of prison breaks that have plagued Nigeria in recent years. In 2024, torrential rains led to the collapse of parts of Suleja prison near Abuja, enabling almost 120 inmates to flee. In July 2022, about 600 prisoners, including suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State members, escaped after armed men attacked Kuje prison, also near Abuja. April 2021 saw over 1,800 inmates break free after a coordinated gunmen attack on a prison in Imo State, while more than 800 escaped from a prison in Oyo State in July of the same year.
What you should know
The Keffi prison escape underscores the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional facilities. With a history of mass jailbreaks in recent years, authorities are under pressure to address structural weaknesses, improve security measures, and prevent further incidents.
