NCoS probes escape of two Kogi inmates

The Nigerian Correctional Service has initiated an investigation into the escape of two convicted inmates from its Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State. The inmates fled on Sunday, 8 November. The service’s spokesperson, Jane Osuji, stated that the Controller-General of Corrections had directed investigators to establish how the escape occurred. The inquiry aims to examine possible operational lapses and determine necessary actions.

According to Osuji, the service is awaiting a comprehensive incident report to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape. The investigation will help identify any potential security breaches or procedural failures that may have contributed to the inmates' escape. The Nigerian Correctional Service is taking the incident seriously and is working to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Kogi police spokesperson Saliu Afusat confirmed that the command had received a report from the correctional centre and was working with the NCoS and other security agencies to ensure the prompt rearrest of the escapees. The police command described efforts to locate and apprehend the inmates as ongoing. The collaboration between the police and the correctional service aims to quickly apprehend the escaped inmates.

The identities of the escaped inmates were not initially disclosed by the authorities. However, Leadership reported, citing a police situation report, that the escapees were Samson David, convicted of theft, and Salvation Moro, convicted of armed robbery. The report provided some details about the inmates, but the route they took out of the facility remains unclear.

The officer in charge of the custodial centre alerted the Okene Divisional Police Headquarters about the escape, prompting a swift response from the authorities. The police and correctional service are working together to track down the escaped inmates and bring them back to custody. The incident highlights the need for enhanced security measures at correctional facilities.

The Nigerian Correctional Service is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation into the escape will help identify areas for improvement and inform measures to enhance the security of custodial centres. The service is committed to ensuring the safe custody of inmates and preventing escapes.

The search for the escaped inmates is ongoing, with security agencies working to apprehend them quickly. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining security and the importance of collaboration between agencies to prevent and respond to incidents.

Key points

• The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an investigation into the escape of two inmates from its Okene Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi State.
• The escaped inmates, Samson David and Salvation Moro, were convicted of theft and armed robbery, respectively.
• The police and correctional service are working together to track down and apprehend the escaped inmates.