The Kogi prison escape has raised fresh security concerns after two convicted inmates fled from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State. The incident has prompted the police and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to intensify efforts to locate the escapees and return them to custody.
The inmates reportedly escaped on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, November 10, following a report from the correctional facility.
Although authorities have confirmed the escape, several details surrounding how the inmates left the facility remain unclear. Meanwhile, the NCoS has ordered an investigation to establish what happened and identify possible security failures.
Police Confirm Kogi Prison Escape and Identify Inmates
According to reports, the incident came to the attention of the Okene Divisional Police Headquarters after the officer in charge of the correctional centre contacted the police to report that two convicted inmates had escaped.
A police situation report identified the escapees as Samson David and Salvation Moro. David was reportedly convicted of theft, while Moro was serving a sentence for armed robbery.
The report stated that both inmates escaped through the rear fence of the correctional facility. It also indicated that authorities attached their photographs to the police communication to help security operatives identify and locate them.
However, the Kogi State Police Command did not officially release their identities in its public confirmation of the incident.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed that the police had received a report from the correctional centre. She explained that the command was working with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt recapture of the fleeing inmates.
Furthermore, Afusat stated that security operatives had begun efforts to trace and apprehend the escapees. The police have not provided further details about their possible whereabouts or whether investigators have identified anyone who may have assisted their escape.
NCoS Orders Investigation into Kogi Prison Escape
The Nigerian Correctional Service has also confirmed the Kogi prison escape and announced measures to address the situation. Its spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the Service, it has started working with relevant security agencies to ensure the inmates return to custody. The agency also said it was awaiting a comprehensive report to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the Controller-General of Corrections has directed a thorough investigation into the escape. The investigation will examine the events that led to the incident and identify any operational or security lapses within the facility.
The Service also stated that the findings would guide further action, including appropriate measures against anyone found responsible for negligence or other misconduct.
In addition, the NCoS assured Nigerians that it was giving the incident the necessary attention. It said security agencies were taking appropriate steps to recapture the fleeing inmates and prevent further concerns over the situation.
The Service also promised to provide additional information once authorities verify the details of the incident.
Security Agencies Intensify Search for Escaped Inmates
The Kogi prison escape has placed renewed attention on security arrangements at the Okene custodial facility, particularly as authorities continue their investigation into how two convicted inmates managed to leave the premises.
For now, the police and correctional authorities have not disclosed whether they have arrested any suspects in connection with the incident or identified possible weaknesses in the facility’s security system.
The reported escape through the rear fence also raises questions that investigators will need to address as they establish the full circumstances of the incident.
However, the immediate priority remains locating the two men and returning them to custody. The police and the NCoS are expected to provide further updates as their investigation and search operations progress.
Until then, authorities have assured the public that they are taking the necessary steps to resolve the situation.