Prison cells used to illustrate the story

At least 16 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS).

The NCS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that seven of the escapees have already been recaptured.

“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling sixteen inmates to escape custody,” Mr Abubakar said.

He disclosed that five custodial personnel sustained varying degrees of injury, with two in serious condition and receiving urgent medical attention.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, warning that no staff will be spared if found culpable. He also directed an immediate manhunt for the fleeing inmates in collaboration with other security agencies.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escaped prisoners to the nearest security formation.