The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed an immediate investigation into the jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre, Kogi State, which occurred early Monday morning.

Tunji-Ojo called the incident “unfortunate” and assured Nigerians that all escaped inmates would be recaptured through advanced biometric technology and other security measures.

The jailbreak occurred when inmates tampered with padlocks in one section of the facility, enabling 12 prisoners to flee.

A statement released on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, read, “The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered immediate probe into the unfortunate prison break incident at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State.

“The minister describes the incident as unfortunate, and vows to ensure all fleeing inmates are captured leveraging the service’s robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions.”

The minister also instructed the acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the facility in Kogi, assess the situation, and initiate a thorough audit to uncover the circumstances behind the incident.

“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” Tunji-Ojo said.

Meanwhile, the NCoS confirmed the recapture of five of the escaped inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe.

In a statement, NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the escape and explained that the acting Controller General of Corrections quickly mobilised a response in collaboration with local security agencies and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kogi State.

Personnel were dispatched to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.

The statement further indicated that a comprehensive investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Additionally, a nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities is being conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The NCoS assured the public that steps were being taken to strengthen security measures at custodial centers nationwide.

The service also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities to assist in the recapture of the remaining escapees.

“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice.


https://punchng.com/kogi-jailbreak-fg-orders-probe-as-police-re-arrest-fleeing-inmates/