Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered an urgent probe into Monday’s prison break at Kogi State’s Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The pre-dawn attack tragically killed a correctional officer and allowed twelve awaiting-trial inmates to escape.
Calling the incident “unfortunate,” Tunji-Ojo pledged immediate action. “We’re deploying advanced technology and biometric systems to recapture all escapees swiftly,” he declared Wednesday. Simultaneously, the minister directed NCoS Acting Controller General Sylvester Ndidi to audit security protocols at the facility. Investigators are scrutinizing potential vulnerabilities that enabled the breach.
Authorities confirmed two fugitives have already been apprehended through coordinated raids. Security forces, however, continue combing forests and communities near Koton Karfe for the remaining ten. NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “We’re working tirelessly with interagency partners to ensure no one remains free,” he told press.
The service has activated emergency tracking systems while reviewing perimeter defenses nationwide. This response follows criticism over recurring jailbreaks straining Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure. Notably, this marks the second major breach in weeks.
Floods from September’s Alau Dam collapse facilitated 200 inmate escapes at Maiduguri’s prison, exposing systemic risks.
Criminologists now demand urgent modernization of detention centers.
“Bandits increasingly target prisons to free allies,” noted security analyst Abdullahi Bello.
“Biometric upgrades mean nothing without trained guards and flood-resistant walls.”
Families of the slain officer will receive federal support, officials confirmed.
As manhunts intensify, the Kogi incident reinforces calls for holistic prison reforms.
Justice ministry data shows 4,300 inmates have escaped Nigerian facilities since 2020 – 62%.
Tunji-Ojo’s audit aims to address these gaps ahead of December’s security council meeting.
Meanwhile, Kogi residents remain on edge.
“We’re locking our doors earlier,” said local trader Aisha Yusuf. “These criminals could be anywhere.”
The NCoS has urged communities to report suspicious activity, offering hotlines for anonymous tips.
While the minister assures progress, critics argue reactive measures ignore deeper issues. Overcrowding plagues 75% of prisons, with 70% of inmates awaiting trial—some for over a decade. “Inhuman conditions fuel desperation,” argued human rights lawyer Chioma Nwosu. “Reforms must prioritize justice speed and dignity.”
The Koton Karfe attack highlights Nigeria’s security crosswinds: overwhelmed personnel, outdated infrastructure, and rising organized crime. As authorities race against time, the public watches, hoping this tragedy sparks lasting change.
