Five fleeing inmates from the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre(MSCC) in Kogi State, who escaped the facility Monday morning, have been captured while seven are still on the run.

Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Abubakar Umar, said all the escapees were Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI).

He explained that five of them have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are underway to arrest the others.

He said all search mechanisms have been deployed to recapture the fleeing inmates.

According to Umar, a search party made of all security agencies, including local vigilantes are in pursuit of the escaping inmates.

He said: “A search party has been deployed to all exit and entry routes in Kogi State. The search party is a combination of all the security agencies including the local vigilantes so that the inmates can be captured.

The facility was breached leading to the killing of a correctional officer on duty and the escape of the 12ATI.

MEANWHILE, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into the Koton Karfe custodial centre breach.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Minister said the government is committed to re-capturing all fleeing inmates by utilising the Service’s advanced biometric systems and existing technology solutions.

The minister directed the Acting Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, to travel to the facility to assess the situation and conduct a comprehensive audit to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape.

“We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” Tunji-Ojo stated.