Sixteen inmates have escaped the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Gatekeepers News reports that this was announced in a statement by Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when some inmates attacked officers on duty, leaving five personnel injured.
Two of the officers are in critical condition and are receiving urgent treatment at a government hospital.
Umar confirmed that seven of the escapees have been rearrested and returned to custody.
Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has visited the facility and ordered a full investigation, warning that any staff found complicit will face consequences.
He also directed an intensified manhunt for the remaining escapees in collaboration with other security agencies.
The public has been urged to stay calm, remain alert, and immediately report any suspicious movements or sightings of the fugitives to the nearest security formation.
