A prison break occurred early Monday at the federal correctional centre in Koton Karfe area of Kogi State.
In a statement, Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi commissioner for information, said about 12 inmates bolted during the jailbreak.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harboring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” Fanwo warned.
He described the incident as “unfortunate” and assured citizens that the state government is implementing measures to prevent a recurrence.
“This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest the fleeing inmates, and identify possible saboteurs within the system.”
Fanwo said Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, has directed the state’s security adviser to work with the federal correctional centre and other security agencies to prevent future security breaches.
The aide asked residents to remain calm and assured that security agencies are in control of the situation.
“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.
Meanwhile, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, has ordered a probe into the prison break at the federal correctional centre in Koton Karfe area of Kogi State.
Reacting in a statement by Alao Babatunde, his special adviser on media and publicity, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as “unfortunate.” 
He added that all fleeing inmates would be captured using the service’s advanced biometrics and existing technology solutions.
The minister also asked Sylvester Ndidi, the acting controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, to visit the Kogi facility, assess the situation, and conduct a comprehensive audit. “We are on top of the situation. Our men are on the ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he added.
Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, has also directed the state’s security adviser to “collaborate with the federal correctional centre and other security agencies to prevent future breaches.”
He asked residents to remain calm, adding that security agencies are in control of the situation.
