On Monday, Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi state commissioner for information, during the early morning jailbreak.

The minister a probe into the incident, adding that all fleeing inmates would be captured using the service’s advanced biometric systems and existing technological solutions.

Subsequently, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) five of the 12 inmates who escaped have been recaptured.

Speaking on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television, on Thursday, Tunji-Ojo the jailbreak to “insider involvement”, adding that no walls were breached.

The minister said about seven of the escapees have been re-arrested, adding that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“Let me correct that we never had a jail attack, it was an insider. No walls were breached, nothing,” he said.

“It was an internal issue — negligence on the part of some of our officers. We are addressing it administratively.

“I wouldn’t say it was deliberate just yet, as the matter is still under investigation.

“However, the key point here is that if you look at the perimeter fencing, this particular administration built it, and the entire facility is secure.

“Out of the 12 individuals involved — similar to what happened before — I can confirm that, as of today, about seven have been re-arrested, if I’m not mistaken.

“This is largely due to improved biometric capability, and now we are working closely with other agencies. The situation is not like what happened in the past.”

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.