By Esi-ife Arogundade
Following a jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Correctional Centre in Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2025, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, which he described as “unfortunate.”
The minister reassured the public that efforts are underway to recapture all escaped inmates through the use of advanced biometric technology and enhanced security protocols.
In a statement released today, by his Special Adviser on Media, Babatunde Alao, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the government’s determination to uncover the circumstances surrounding the prison break.
He instructed the Acting Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi, to visit the correctional facility and carry out a thorough security audit.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the facility,” Tunji-Ojo stated, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to locating the fleeing inmates.
He assured Nigerians that all necessary measures, including a robust biometric database and existing technological solutions, would be employed to ensure that every escapee is recaptured.
In a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Tunji-Ojo reiterated his resolve to hold the correctional system accountable.
“The jailbreak at Koton Karfe is unfortunate, but we will get to the root of it. We will not allow breaches like this to go unchecked. Every fugitive will be found and brought to justice,” he declared.
Moreover, the minister promised enhanced security measures at correctional facilities nationwide to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He made it clear that the Nigerian Correctional Service would face accountability for any lapses, with corrective actions to be implemented promptly.
The Koton Karfe jailbreak adds to a growing list of security breaches within Nigeria’s prison system, raising serious concerns about the safety and management of correctional facilities throughout the country.
Despite these challenges, Tunji-Ojo affirmed that the ministry is dedicated to enforcing stricter security measures to safeguard against future occurrences.
