Kogi Jailbreak Leaves 10 Inmates Missing

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At least 12 inmates escaped from the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre, in Kogi State, early Monday.

Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed that two have been recaptured, but 10 remain at large. One correctional officer died during the incident.

Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation, directing the Acting Controller General of NCoS to assess the facility and launch a full audit.

The ministry vowed to use biometric tracking and technology to re-arrest the fugitives, assuring the public that security agencies are working to restore order.

Also, Anambra State Police confirmed the successful rescue of Rev. Fr. Stephen Echezona, who was abducted in Ichida, Anaocha Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that a Joint Security Task Force (JTF)—comprising police, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilantes—secured the priest’s release in Ihiala.

Ikenga explained that Fr. Echezona was kidnapped at a petrol station by armed men in a white Lexus SUV without a license plate. Security forces engaged the assailants in a gunfight, forcing them to abandon their vehicle.

Though the kidnappers initially fled with the priest, a coordinated pursuit led to his safe release. The SUV was recovered, while efforts continue to track the suspects and retrieve the priest’s stolen Toyota Highlander.

In a separate incident, police in Obosi Division arrested a man carrying a Beretta pistol, while three other kidnap victims were rescued along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu. The Anambra Command reassured residents of its commitment to safety and justice.