The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, this Monday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and assured Nigerians that all inmates who escaped from the facility will be recaptured.
He said advanced biometric technology and other security measures are being deployed to track down the fugitives.
The minister has also directed the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the correctional centre and conduct a comprehensive security audit.
Tunji-Ojo stated that government officials are on ground in Kogi State and a full audit of the situation is already underway.
He assured Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned to find and return the fleeing inmates to custody.
The minister added that the government’s biometric database and other technological solutions will aid the recapture of every escaped inmate.
In a post on his official X account, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to accountability within the correctional system. He said the jailbreak at Koton Karfe would be thoroughly investigated and that all those responsible for lapses would be held accountable.
Tunji-Ojo further assured the public that security at correctional centres across the country will be strengthened to prevent future occurrences.
The jailbreak at Koton Karfe is the latest in a series of security breaches in Nigeria’s prison system, raising concerns over the management of correctional facilities.
The minister, however, maintained that his ministry remains committed to enforcing stricter security measures.