Sixteen inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, in the early hours of Tuesday after breaching the facility’s security.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, the inmates reportedly overpowered personnel on duty during the breakout.

Five officers were injured in the incident, with two currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

Seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

READ ALSO:1999 Constitution Illegitimate, Can’t Save Nigeria – Ozekhome

“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.

“Some inmates breached the security of the facility and attacked personnel on duty to compromise the situation, enabling 16 inmates to escape custody.

“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility.

“Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” Abubakar stated.

READ ALSO:Tensions Over Aid Grow In Haiti As Quake’s Deaths Pass 2,000

The statement also confirmed that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, visited the facility following the incident and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

Nwakuche stated that any staff found complicit in the escape would face disciplinary action.

He also directed a coordinated manhunt for the fleeing inmates, working closely with other security agencies.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity or sightings of the escapees to the nearest security post.

READ ALSO:EndSARS: Benin Residents Defy 24 Hours Curfew Order

“The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, has visited the facility and has ordered a thorough investigation into the escape. He said no staff will be spared if found culpable.

“Furthermore, he has directed an immediate search to recapture the fleeing inmates in collaboration with sister security agencies.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or sightings of fleeing inmates to the nearest security formation.

“While preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape, the Service reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to public safety and the security of all custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement noted.

Youths from Ukala, Ezi, Ebu, and communities of Oshimili North and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of Delta State on Tuesday took to the streets of Asaba, down to Government House to register their grievances over the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu Road.

The youth who carried placards of different inscriptions like “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, fix our road,” “We are losing millions of naira as a result of the abandoned Ukala-Ezi-Ebu road,” “Our road is a death trap,” among others, were prevented from protesting at the Government House gate.

It was observed that the protesters were blocked at the popular Inter-bua roundabout by the security agencies despite an earlier notice of protest.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Convener, Concerned Youth for Good Governance, Mr Henry Mojume, said for years, the people of Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Okpunor communities have suffered from the complete neglect of this critical road.

READ ALSO:Ex-soldiers Protest In Abuja, Demand Outstanding Entitlements

“This route is a major lifeline that connects our communities to market, schools, health centers, and other essential services in Delta State.

“As I speak to you, farmers cannot transport their produce efficiently, leading to losses and food wastage.

“The bad condition of the Delta road has made it a hazard and also a haven for criminal activities.

“Our protest today is peaceful and rooted in the principle of constructive engagement. We cannot remain silent while our people suffer daily due to this neglect.

READ ALSO:Thousands Protest In Tel Aviv Against Israeli Govt Move To Expand Gaza War

“Our demand is that the government should immediately mobilise contractors to resume and complete the Ukala-Okwute-Ezi-Ebu-Ukala Okpunor road construction without further delay,” he said.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Mr Johnson Erijo, who came to the inter-bua roundabout to address the protesters, thanked them for the peaceful protest.

“Firstly, I want to thank you for the peaceful protest on the bad state of the Ukala-Okwute- Ezi-Ebu- Ukala Okpunor road. We trust that the governor will pay attention to the road affecting several communities.

READ ALSO:FG Warns Of Flooding In Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, 26 Others

“I urge you to remain peaceful and supportive of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration.

“We have taken note of this meaningful engagement. Before you came, your local government chairman and his Aniocha North counterpart had already told us the state of the road.

“No government will want its citizens to suffer. This administration is desirous of ensuring meaningful infrastructural development across the state, the governor is working tirelessly to ensure they every part of the state is developed in line with the MORE Agenda,” he appealed.
(PUNCH)

Security operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in the abduction of two senior officials of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko AAUA, Ondo State, a few days ago.

The suspects were nabbed a few hours after the release of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, the faculty officer of the institution’s Faculty of Education, who was said to have paid an undisclosed ransom prior to his freedom.

Eleyinmi was abducted alongside a staff of the university last Monday at his residence at Supare Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

READ ALSO:How AAUA Undergraduates Were Raped, Killed, Corpses Disposed Of By Killers – Police

Following his abduction, the suspected kidnappers initially demanded the payment of N100 million but was later reduced to N7 million ransom.

Sources revealed that the kidnappers were nabbed in a forest within the axis of Oba Akoko and Owo following intel received by detectives in the state.

While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation.

“I can confirm to you that our operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the kidnapping of 2 AAUA lecturer.

“The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation.”