Kabba Prison Break: 114 Inmates Recaptured, NCoS Warns Others To Surrender

THE Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the recapture of 114 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba after it was attacked by gunmen on Sunday night.

The attack, which happened around 11:45 p.m., led to the escape of 240 inmates. The attackers, who have not yet been identified, arrived heavily armed and overpowered the security guards on duty.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, immediately visited the facility after the attack. He ordered the deployment of a Search Party Response Team and increased security at the centre.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NCoS spokesman Francis Enobore confirmed the recapture of 114 inmates and said more arrests are expected.

“Security agencies, including the police, army, and vigilante groups, are working together to track down the remaining escapees,” Enobore said.

The Controller-General has warned inmates still on the run to turn themselves in within 24 hours or face legal consequences.

“Their photographs and biometric records are still in our system. They can’t hide for long,” Nababa said.

He assured the public that no effort will be spared in bringing all fugitives back into custody.

According to the Minister of Interior’s Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, the attack led to the deaths of one soldier and one police officer. Two correctional officers are still missing.

At the time of the attack, there were:

• 15 soldiers

• 10 police officers

• 10 armed prison guards
  on duty at the facility. They engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.

The Kabba Medium Security Custodial Centre was built to house 200 inmates, but it had 294 at the time of the attack. Out of these:

• 224 were awaiting trial

• 70 were convicted inmates

NCoS said a full investigation is underway, and the public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to nearby security agencies.

Authorities are calling on residents of Kogi State and nearby communities to support the ongoing recapture efforts by sharing any useful information.

“This is a serious matter of public safety. We ask for the public’s help in finding the remaining escapees,” Enobore added.

• Escapees: 240

• Recaptured: 114 (as of Tuesday)

• Deaths: 1 soldier, 1 police officer

• Missing personnel: 2 correctional officers

• Gunmen: Still unidentified

• Investigation: Ongoing