5 officers injured as 16 inmates escape from Nasarawa prison

No fewer than 16 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

It was confirmed that the inmates escaped from the correctional centre after breaching the facility’s security in the early hours of Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Umar Abubakar, confirmed the incident via a statement.

Abubakar disclosed that the inmates overpowered personnel on duty, saying five officers were injured in the incident.

Abubakar said two officers are currently in serious condition and receiving treatment at a government hospital.

He also revealed that seven of the escaped inmates have since been recaptured, adding that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining nine.

NCoS blames state govts for minors in adult prisons

The NCoS spokesman said: “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 added that the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, had visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

The Star