Nasarawa facility prisoners attack Nigerian Correctional Service officials, 16 inmates escape custody

Sixteen inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, the inmates overpowered personnel and escaped from custody.

He added that five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Abubakar further stated that seven of the escaped inmates had been recaptured, while efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

“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.

“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,” Abubakar stated.

The statement also confirmed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Nwakuche stated that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

He also directed a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing inmates, working closely with other security agencies.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.

“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement said.