Twelve inmates have escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, following an early morning jailbreak on Monday, prompting the state government to demand a thorough investigation.

Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, confirmed the incident, stating that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing inmates.

He also disclosed that one escapee has already been recaptured.

“We are taking this incident very seriously,” Fanwo stated.

“Our priority is to ensure the swift recapture of the remaining inmates and to prevent any recurrence.”

Fanwo expressed concern over the method used by the inmates to scale the facility’s tower without causing visible damage, calling for a detailed probe.

“We need to understand how this happened,” he emphasised. “A thorough investigation is crucial to unravel the circumstances, identify any potential lapses, and hold those responsible accountable.”

This incident adds to the growing concern over jailbreaks in Nigeria. Recent years have witnessed a troubling surge in prison escapes, posing a significant threat to national security. Between September 2015 and July 2022, approximately 15 jailbreaks resulted in over 7,000 inmates escaping.

Notable incidents include the 2022 attack on the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, orchestrated by ISWAP, which led to the escape of 879 inmates, including high-profile terrorists.

The 2021 attack on the Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State, where 1,844 inmates escaped, and the Abolongo attack in Oyo Town, Oyo State, where 837 inmates escaped, also highlight the security lapses.

“The escape of thousands of inmates, many of whom are convicted criminals, is a serious threat to public safety,” Fanwo noted.

“As of recent reports, approximately 4,643 escapees remain at large, and only 2,032 have been recaptured.”

The Kogi State government has pledged to work closely with federal authorities to strengthen security at correctional facilities and prevent future jailbreaks.

The urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the Nigerian correctional system has been highlighted by this incident.