According to a statement issued on Monday, Abubakar Umar, the service public relations officer (SPRO), said the NCoS launched a manhunt for the escapees immediately after the incident.

Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi state commissioner for information, said about during an early morning prison break on Monday.

Umar said Sylvester Nwakuche, the acting controller-general of NCoS, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies, including the senior special adviser to the governor of Kogi, after receiving the news of the incident, immediately mobilised to the facility.

He said personnel were also deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.

“As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” the statement reads.

“The NCoS acting controller-general has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large inmates.

“Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.”

Umar assured Nigerians that custodial centres are secured, adding that measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities.

He said the service is committed to ensuring all correctional facilities fulfill its mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.