Kogi Jailbreak: 12 Inmates Escape as Government Orders Investigation

Twelve inmates have escaped from the Federal Correctional Center in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, following a jailbreak in the early hours of Monday, March 24, 2025.

The Kogi State Government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, confirmed the incident and praised the swift response of security agencies in addressing the situation.

Describing the jailbreak as “unfortunate,” Fanwo assured residents that the government is taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into how the inmates managed to escape without causing any structural damage to the facility.

“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns. This calls for a detailed inquiry to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo stated.

Following the incident, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with the Federal Correctional Center and other security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not occur again. The state government has also pledged full support to federal security agencies by providing logistics and necessary resources to enhance their operational efficiency.

While investigations are ongoing, the government has assured residents that the situation is under control and urged them to remain calm.

“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo added.