By Ibironke Ariyo
A Nigeria-based human rights organisation, Hope Behind Bars Africa has expressed deep concern over the jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi (new), which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 12.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Commissioner Obinna Ejiogu, the commission described the incident as part of the ongoing crisis of inmate escapes from the country’s prisons.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that at least 16 hostages survived the ordeal, while five crew members were injured and two were receiving emergency medical treatment.
Ejiogu recalled that in May 2025, seven inmates escaped from the Ilesha Correctional Facility in Osun State, and in March, twelve inmates escaped from the Koton Karfe Correctional Facility in Kogi State.
He said the increase in the number of released prisoners highlights the problems in the Nigerian criminal justice system, which require urgent and comprehensive reforms.
“There is a need to invest more in rehabilitation programs, take measures to reduce prison overcrowding, and implement policies to address existing bottlenecks.”
“I urge the Federal Government to take steps to improve the current situation in prisons,” Mr. Ejiogu said.
He also urged leaders to prioritize rehabilitation by implementing policies to strengthen and improve prison conditions.
He added that reducing the prison population through penal reforms and alternatives to incarceration is essential to solving prison problems.
“It is time for urgent and coordinated action to address crime in Nigeria,” Mr. Ejiogu concluded.
