BREAKING: Panic as prisoners break out of Nigerian correctional facility

A daring prison break rocked the correctional facility, Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, with 16 inmates escaping custody.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the coordinated escape saw prisoners overpower guards, injuring five correctional officers, two now receiving treatment at a government hospital.

NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed that seven escapees have been recaptured, while security agencies have launched a nationwide manhunt for the remaining nine.

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, visited the scene, ordered an immediate investigation, and vowed that any staff member found culpable would face full disciplinary action.

“This is a grave situation, and we are treating it with the utmost urgency. The safety of Nigerians is our priority,” Nwakuche said, adding that the Service is working closely with other security agencies to apprehend the fugitives.

The public has been urged to remain calm but vigilant and to report suspicious movements to the nearest security outpost.

Security experts said the incident raises fresh concerns over the vulnerability of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, even as the NCoS pledges urgent reforms to prevent future breaches.