Crime

Keffi Prison Break: 16 Inmates Escape, Authorities Launch Manhunt

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 12th, 2025.

Keffi Prison Break: 16 Inmates Escape, Authorities Launch Manhunt

In the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, sixteen inmates broke out of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, following a breach in the facility’s security, according to reports from News360 Nigeria.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar. He revealed that the inmates forcefully overpowered the officers on duty during the escape. As a result, five personnel were injured, two of whom are currently in critical condition and receiving treatment at a government-run hospital.

So far, seven of the escapees have been recaptured. A coordinated operation is underway to locate and apprehend the remaining nine inmates.

Abubakar’s statement reads in part: “In the early hours of August 12, 2025, an incident occurred at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi where inmates breached the facility’s perimeter and attacked staff on duty, leading to the escape of 16 individuals. Five officers sustained injuries during the incident, with two in serious condition.”

Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, paid a visit to the facility. He has since ordered a thorough investigation into the breakout and warned that any personnel found negligent or complicit would face strict disciplinary measures.

He also directed the immediate launch of a manhunt in collaboration with other security agencies to recapture the fleeing inmates.

Nwakuche urged the public to stay calm, remain alert, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

“The Service is currently conducting a full investigation to determine the root causes of the security breach,” the statement noted. “We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of the public and the integrity of our custodial facilities across the country.”