The Comptroller General of Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS), Mr. Haliru Nababa has stated that some 443 inmates that escaped following the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, attack have been recaptured.
CG Nababa made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja late Wednesday.
It could be recalled that News Band had reported that over 800 inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre escaped Tuesday night’s attacks on the facility by some gunmen.
The attacks, which reportedly lasted some hours, were said to have been resisted by military personnel and prison guards on duty.
As at the time of the attack, personnel from the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service were on ground to support men of the Armed Squad unit of the Nigerian Correctional Service to repel the attack.
In the latest update, however, the Comptroller General informed that 443 of the escapees have been recaptured, bringing the total number of inmates in the facility presently to 551.
According to hm, three of the attackers were killed in the encounter while several others escaped with bullet wounds.
During the gun battle, a personnel of the NSCDC unfortunately lost his life and three (3) officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service also sustained bullet injuries.
Four inmates lost their lives while 16 others sustained various degree of injuries.
Nababa said he has ordered immediate deployment of the e-Corrections Information Management System (e-CIMS) to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody.
He appealed for prompt supply of credible information to rearrest the fleeing inmates.
The Controller General assured the public that the biometrics of all the inmates are intact and will be used to track them wherever they hide.
He expressed appreciation to men of other security agencies for their support and gallantry even as he extends his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a quick recovery.