Edith Auva, Lafia
In a dramatic breach of security, sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, triggering a nationwide alert and a coordinated manhunt by Nigerian security forces.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the inmates overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout, exploiting vulnerabilities in the facility’s security infrastructure. The incident left five officers injured, two of whom are currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾.
The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August 2025, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State
The jailbreak occurred under the cover of darkness, with inmates reportedly launching a surprise attack on custodial staff. The swift and violent nature of the escape has raised concerns about internal complicity and systemic lapses.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public of an incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 12th August 2025, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State,” said NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar.
“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.”
Seven of the escapees have since been recaptured, while nine remain at large. Authorities have launched a full-scale search operation in collaboration with sister security agencies to locate and apprehend the fugitives
Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility shortly after the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape. He emphasized that no staff member would be spared if found culpable.
“Any staff found complicit in the escape will face disciplinary action,” Nwakuche stated. “We are committed to restoring order and ensuring that such breaches do not occur again.”
This jailbreak is the latest in a troubling pattern of disturbances at the Keffi Correctional Centre. A similar mass escape attempt occurred in August 2019, when about 50 inmates protested poor feeding and lack of medical care⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾.
We are committed to restoring order and ensuring that such breaches do not occur again
Authorities have urged residents of Keffi and surrounding areas to remain calm but vigilant. The public is advised to report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security formation.
“The Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement concluded
As the manhunt intensifies, questions linger about the state of Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure and the measures needed to prevent future breaches. For now, the focus remains on recapturing the remaining fugitives and restoring confidence in the nation’s prison system.
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