By Hauwau Shehu Maikeffi
In the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2025, a jailbreak occurred at the Federal Correctional Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, resulting in the escape of at least 12 inmates. This incident underscores ongoing security challenges within Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
According to reports, the escape took place during the early morning hours when the inmates managed to breach the facility’s security measures. The exact circumstances surrounding the escape are still under investigation, and authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding the methods used by the inmates to facilitate their breakout. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the escapees and address any lapses in security that may have contributed to the incident.
The Koton-Karfe correctional facility has experienced multiple security breaches in the past:
•July 2016: Thirteen inmates escaped by scaling the prison fence. Five were recaptured shortly after the incident.  
•October 2019: Severe flooding led to the escape of 228 inmates after the perimeter fence collapsed. Over 100 escapees were recaptured and relocated to more secure facilities.  
These recurring incidents highlight systemic vulnerabilities within the facility’s infrastructure and security protocols.
In response to the latest escape, the Nigerian Correctional Service has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and identify any potential lapses in security. A search operation involving multiple security agencies has been launched to recapture the escaped inmates. Authorities are also reviewing existing security measures to prevent future occurrences.
The recent jailbreak has sparked significant concern among residents of Kogi State and the broader Nigerian public. Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions about the incident, with many users expressing frustration over the persistent security issues plaguing the nation’s correctional facilities. Calls for comprehensive reforms and enhanced security measures are widespread, reflecting a growing demand for accountability and improved management of the prison system.
The escape of 12 inmates from the Koton-Karfe Correctional Centre on March 24, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional system. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including infrastructural improvements, enhanced security protocols, and comprehensive reforms aimed at preventing future incidents and ensuring public safety.
