At least sixteen inmates fled from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, following a security breach in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar.
According to the statement, the inmates overpowered personnel on duty, compromising security measures and enabling their escape.
During the confrontation, five correctional officers sustained injuries, with two reported to be in serious condition and receiving medical treatment. Authorities have since recaptured seven of the fleeing inmates, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining nine.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
The NCoS assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences and strengthen security across custodial centres.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of prison breaks in Nigeria. In 2024, nearly 120 inmates escaped when heavy rainfall damaged structures at the Suleja prison near Abuja.
Similarly, in July 2022, over 600 prisoners, including suspected members of extremist groups, fled after an attack on Kuje prison, also near the capital. Earlier, in April 2021, gunmen stormed a correctional facility in Imo State, freeing more than 1,800 inmates, while another jailbreak in Oyo State later that year saw over 800 prisoners escape.
The recurring security lapses highlight ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s correctional system, raising concerns about facility vulnerabilities and the need for enhanced measures to prevent future breaches. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the escaped inmates as manhunt operations intensify.
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