By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed Security breached at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (New), Nasarawa State, leading to the escape of 16 inmates.
Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and the Public Relations Officer Nigerian Correctional Service in a statement made available to our Correspondent in Abuja said the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to the statement, Some inmates breached the security of the facility, and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation enabling during which 16 inmates to escape custody.
It added that during the incident, 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.
It added that Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape.
He promised that no staff will be spared if found culpable, just as he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.
Nwakuche advised Members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.
While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide
