Sixteen inmates on Tuesday escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The incident happened in the early hours of the day after a breach of the facility’s security, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, wrote in a statement.
The inmates overpowered the personnel on duty during the breakout.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August 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 to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.
“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility. Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.”
However, efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining inmates.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility following the incident and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the escape.