Following a jailbreak at the Federal Correctional Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed that 12 inmates escaped from the facility.
He said, “Security operatives have re-arrested one of the escapees, while efforts are ongoing to recapture the others.”
Reacting through his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the minister described the escape as “unfortunate.”
He assured the public that all fleeing inmates would be traced using biometric technology and other security tools.
Tunji-Ojo also instructed the acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to assess the prison and conduct a detailed audit of the situation.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he said.
In response, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo directed the state’s security adviser to collaborate with federal authorities to reinforce security and prevent similar occurrences.
He called on residents to stay calm, emphasizing that “security agencies are in control of the situation.”