On the night of September 12, 2021, the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, Kogi State, was breached in a coordinated attack.
At about midnight, a large number of yet-to-be-identified gunmen arrived at the facility and engaged the 35 security officers on duty in a fierce gun duel.
According to reports, the attackers used explosives to blow open three sides of the prison’s perimeter fence before gaining entry.
The Spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Francis Enobore, via a statement disclosed that the assailants forcefully released no fewer than 240 inmates.
At the time of the invasion, the centre held 294 inmates against an official capacity of 200. The breakdown comprised 224 awaiting trial and 70 convicted persons. The facility was established in 2008.
The NCoS reported that four soldiers were killed in the attack. However, the Kogi State Government, stated that two security operatives died. The Interior Ministry also confirmed that some correctional officers were injured and that two guards were missing.
In response, the Comptroller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, ordered an immediate recapture operation and a detailed investigation. He led a delegation to Kabba to assess the damage.
“We appeal to the general public to furnish security operatives with useful intelligence that will assist in recapturing the fleeing escapees,” Enobore stated.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, equally called on security agencies, traditional rulers, and local hunters to collaborate in tracking down the attackers and the escaped inmates.
