16 INMATES ESCAPE FROM NASARAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

A total of 16 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, after breaching the facility’s security in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident, stating that the inmates overpowered personnel on duty and escaped custody.

NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, said in a statement that five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital. “Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar added that seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured and are now in custody. “Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” he said. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine inmates.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape and launched a coordinated manhunt with sister security agencies to track down the remaining fugitives. The public has been urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to immediately report any suspicious movements or sightings of the fleeing inmates to the nearest security post.