JAILBREAK: Seven Recaptured as 16 Inmates Escape Keffi Correctional Facility
Sixteen inmates broke out of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday after breaching the facility’s security and overpowering officers on duty.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, said in a statement that the escapees attacked custodial personnel during the incident, leaving five officers injured. Two of the injured remain in serious condition and are receiving treatment at a government hospital.
Abubakar confirmed that seven of the escapees have been recaptured, while a manhunt is underway for the remaining nine.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, August 12, 2025, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State,” the statement read. “Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody. Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.”
Following the jailbreak, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. He warned that any staff found complicit would face disciplinary action.
Nwakuche also directed a coordinated search operation in collaboration with other security agencies to apprehend the remaining escapees.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.
“The Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” Abubakar added.
