Five of the 12 inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have been recaptured.

The Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar.

The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of March 24 when some Awaiting Trial Inmates,  allegedly tampered with padlocks in one section of the facility, leading to their escape.

The NCoS, in collaboration with sister security agencies and the Senior Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor, swiftly mobilized to restore order and track down the escapees.

Acting Controller-General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident to uncover lapses that led to the breach. A nationwide security audit of all correctional facilities is also underway to prevent similar occurrences.

READ ALSO: 12 inmates escape from Kogi prison in jailbreak

While five of the fleeing inmates have been apprehended, efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining seven. Security personnel have been deployed to strategic locations, and intelligence-gathering operations are in full swing to ensure all escapees are brought back into custody.

The NCoS has urged the public to remain vigilant and provide any useful information that could assist in the manhunt. Citizens have also been advised to report suspicious movements to the nearest security agency for swift intervention.

Assuring Nigerians of improved security measures, the NCoS stated that custodial facilities remain safe, with reinforced strategies to uphold their mandate of securing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating inmates into society.

NAN