ABOUT 12 INMATES escaped from the Federal Correctional Center in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, on Monday, without any damage, the state government has confirmed.
In a statement, Kogi’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, praised security agencies for their swift response to the jailbreak, which he described as “unfortunate.”
He assured residents that the state government is working closely with security forces to investigate the escape and prevent future incidents.
“The claim that inmates fled without causing structural damage raises serious concerns. A thorough investigation is needed to uncover the circumstances, recapture the fugitives, and identify any internal sabotage,” Fanwo stated.
Following the incident, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered the State Security Adviser to collaborate with federal correctional authorities and security agencies to strengthen prison security.
The government also pledged to provide logistical support to federal security agencies to enhance their effectiveness.
Reassuring residents, Fanwo said: “There is no cause for panic. The situation is under control, and security of lives and property remains our top priority.”
Suleja Inmates Escaped After Heavy Rain
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Not the first inmates would flee from the correctional center. On 25 April, 2025, an unspecified number of inmates escaped from Suleja correctional center following a heavy rain which destroyed parts of the old Suleja custodial centre, a development that led to many of the inmates escaping from the facility.
The report stated that the rainstorm destroyed parts of the building and exposed the facility’s inner fence protecting one of the cells where inmates were kept.
Months later, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) released more photos of the inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State.
The report further stated that about 119 inmates fled from the correctional centre in April after rainfall destroyed the walls of the Suleja prison.
While 18 of the inmates were captured in June, the NCoS late Thursday post on its X account released the names of more escapees and their photos.
He gave their name as Tasiu Mohammed, Philip Ola, Mohammed Lawal, Buba Bello, Biyo Flamingo, Onyedikachi Emeka, Augustine Uden, Gambo Lamido, Sani Muhajid, Abubakar Hashiru, Haruna Salisu, Solomon Gkwangurum, and Aliyu Ismaila
