The jailbreak at the Koton Karfe Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kogi State on Monday, March 24, 2025, has once again highlighted the security challenges facing Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
The incident, which resulted in the escape of 12 inmates after tampering with padlocks in a section of the facility, also led to the death of a correctional officer. This marks the sixth jailbreak at Koton Karfe since 2012, with a similar incident in 2016 seeing 13 inmates escape, none of whom have been rearrested.
Security experts have repeatedly pointed to infrastructure deficits, overcrowding, prolonged trials, and poor remuneration of correctional staff as major factors contributing to frequent prison breaks.
As of March 25, 2025, statistics from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) indicate that 79,669 inmates are housed in the country’s custodial centres. Of these, 26,898 are convicted prisoners, while 52,771—amounting to 66%—are awaiting trial. The Koton Karfe facility, built in 1934 and re-commissioned in 2015 with a capacity for 320 inmates, faces severe overcrowding, compounding security risks.
The delays in Nigeria’s judicial process have led to an overwhelming number of awaiting trial inmates, increasing pressure on correctional centres and contributing to recurring jailbreaks. Experts argue that tackling prison congestion is key to addressing security breaches.
Calls have grown for the Federal Government to enhance security measures in correctional facilities. Suggestions include increased investment in surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and additional security personnel. The recent deployment of five Bullet Resistant Guard-Booth vehicles to select custodial centres in Abuja, Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos is a step in the right direction. However, security analysts advocate extending such measures to vulnerable facilities like Koton Karfe.
The NCS has ordered a comprehensive audit of the facility to identify and address security lapses. Transparency in the findings and accountability for any lapses will be crucial in restoring public confidence.
Additionally, state governments and private sector stakeholders have been urged to support prison upgrades to strengthen the overall security of correctional centres and, by extension, the safety of the larger community.
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