JUST IN: Sixteen (16) Inmates Escape from Keffi Correctional Facility

In the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, a major security breach occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, leading to the escape of 16 inmates.

According to a statement by Umar Abubakar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the escapees launched a coordinated attack on the facility’s security, overpowering guards on duty. Five officers were injured during the incident, with two in critical condition and currently receiving urgent medical care at a government hospital.

Authorities have since managed to rearrest seven of the fugitives. A manhunt is ongoing to capture the remaining nine.

“The escape took place after inmates forcibly breached the centre’s security and assaulted personnel, allowing 16 individuals to flee custody,” Abubakar confirmed.

Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the Keffi facility and has ordered a thorough investigation. He warned that any correctional staff found to have played a role—whether through negligence or complicity—will face disciplinary action.

Nwakuche also directed an immediate search operation in collaboration with other security agencies to track down the remaining escapees.

The Correctional Service has called on the public to remain calm and alert, urging citizens to report any unusual activity or sightings of the fugitives to the nearest security authorities.

While investigations are underway to determine how the breach occurred, the Service reassured Nigerians of its continued dedication to public safety and the secure management of correctional centres across the country.

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