A dramatic and violent jailbreak that occurred at the Kogi State Correctional Centre on the evening of March 22, 2025, has resulted in the recapture of five of the six escaped inmates. Tragically, one correctional officer was killed during the daring escape attempt.
According to the Kogi State Ministry of Justice, six inmates managed to break free from their cells late Friday night, sparking a large-scale search operation by law enforcement agencies across the state. The escapees, who were facing serious criminal charges, broke through the facility’s security measures, resulting in chaos and confusion within the prison grounds.
Following a concerted effort involving Kogi State Police, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and local security teams, five of the escapees were swiftly recaptured within 48 hours of their flight. However, one escapee remains at large, and authorities are continuing their search in a bid to prevent further violence or harm.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, one officer from the correctional facility was tragically killed in the line of duty while attempting to prevent the escape. The officer’s identity has not yet been disclosed, but authorities have expressed their condolences and vowed to support the family of the fallen hero.
State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, expressed his sorrow over the officer’s death and emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents of this nature. "This is a somber day for Kogi State, and we stand in solidarity with the family of our lost officer. We will continue to work relentlessly with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those responsible for this escape are brought to justice," said Governor Bello in a statement.
The state government has launched an internal investigation into the security breach and has vowed to hold all those responsible accountable. It is also working closely with national security agencies to strengthen the security infrastructure at correctional facilities across the region.
The remaining escapee, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.