16 inmates escape in Keffi jailbreak, seven recaptured

Sixteen inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday after breaching the facility’s security.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service(NCoS), Umar Abubakar, the inmates reportedly overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout.

Seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining nine.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, August 12, 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.”

The statement also confirmed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and has 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.

Authorities have 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.

The statement also reads: “The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape. He said no staff will be spared if found culpable.

“Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.

“Members of the public are hereby urged 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 reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide.”