10 Major Jailbreaks Nigeria Has Witnessed in the Past Five Years
- Nigeria has recorded several major jailbreaks in recent years, with thousands of inmates escaping from various correctional facilities
- The latest incident in Keffi saw 16 inmates flee after overpowering officers, leaving five personnel injured
- Authorities continue to grapple with prison security lapses despite repeated calls for stronger measures
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Nigeria’s persistent challenge with jailbreaks resurfaced this week when 16 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Authorities said the fugitives overpowered correctional officers on duty, injuring five personnel in the process. Seven escapees have since been recaptured, while others remain at large.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, confirmed the incident and said security agencies were working to apprehend the remaining fugitives.
The development has again raised concerns over the security of custodial facilities across the country.
In 2024, the House of Representatives called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a judicial panel of inquiry into prison attacks.
Lawmakers expressed concern that more than 7,000 inmates had escaped from 17 jailbreaks nationwide between September 2015 and July 2023.
Below is a look at 10 other jailbreaks that have occurred in recent years.
Koton Karfe, March 2025
Twelve inmates at the Koton Karfe Medium Security Prison in Kogi State killed one officer, tied up two others, and escaped through a damaged window before reinforcements could arrive.
Suleja, Niger State
Overnight heavy rains destroyed parts of the Medium Security Prison, including the perimeter fence, enabling 118 inmates to flee. Only 10 were later recaptured.
Kuje, FCT – July 5, 2022
A coordinated attack by ISWAP and Ansaru militants led to the escape of 879 inmates, including high-profile suspects, from the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja.
Mandala, Kwara State – January 2, 2022
Three inmates escaped from the Mandala Custodial Centre. They included a death row inmate and two others facing armed robbery charges.
Kabba, Kogi State – September 13, 2021
Heavily armed gunmen stormed the Kabba Correctional Centre, killing two security operatives and freeing 240 of the 294 inmates.
Jos, Plateau State – July 8, 2021
Four inmates awaiting trial for kidnapping and armed robbery escaped from the Jos Correctional Centre. Officials blamed staff negligence for the breach.
Owerri, Imo State – April 5, 2021
Gunmen attacked both the Owerri correctional centre and the state police command headquarters, freeing 1,844 inmates. Authorities linked the assault to the Eastern Security Network.
Benin, Edo State – October 19, 2020
During the #EndSARS protests, hoodlums attacked correctional facilities in Benin and Oko, releasing 1,993 inmates.
Okitipupa, Ondo State – October 22, 2020
Protesters pulled down the Okitipupa prison fence during the #EndSARS demonstrations, freeing 58 inmates.
Police track, arrest fleeing inmate
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Lagos State Police Command had rearrested Kabiru Oyedun, one of the inmates who broke out of jail from the Ilesa Correctional Centre in Osun State.
The state police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed Oyedun's arrest in a statement on Friday and noted that the 39-year-old Oyedun was tracked in Ayobo by operatives.
Meanwhile, the government has offered N5 million cash reward for anyone with useful information that would lead to the recapture of the remaining fleeing suspects.
Source: Legit.ng
