Security operatives have recaptured seven out of 16 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of yesterday.

A statement by the National Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abubakar Umar, said the jailbreak occurred after inmates breached the facility’s security, attacked personnel on duty and enabled 16 detainees to flee.

Five staff members sustained injuries during the incident, with two reported to be in serious condition and receiving urgent medical treatment at a government health facility.

According to Umar, the seven recaptured inmates have been returned to custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining nine escapees.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He warned that no staff member would be spared if found culpable, stressing the seriousness of the security breach.

Nwakuche also directed an immediate manhunt for the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies. He urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious movements or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security formation.

While preliminary investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining safety and securing all custodial centres across the country.