The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the escape of two inmates from its Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State, triggering a manhunt involving security agencies to track down and recapture the fugitives.

The inmates reportedly escaped on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the Service confirming the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Jane Osuji.

According to Osuji, the Service has activated necessary security measures in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the immediate recapture of the fleeing inmates.

“The NCoS confirms that two inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okene, Kogi State, on Sunday, 8th November, 2026.

“The Service has commenced necessary actions in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt recapture of the fleeing inmates,” she stated.

Although the circumstances surrounding the escape have yet to be established, the spokesperson disclosed that the Service was awaiting a comprehensive report to determine how the inmates breached security and left the facility.

She also revealed that the Controller-General of Corrections had directed a full-scale investigation into the incident, with a mandate to identify possible security lapses and recommend appropriate disciplinary or corrective measures.

Osuji assured the public that the Service was treating the development with seriousness and would deploy all necessary resources to ensure the escapees were returned to custody.

She added that further information would be made available once verified details emerged, while appealing for public understanding and cooperation.

The Okene incident is the latest in a series of inmate escapes reported at correctional facilities, following the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi, Edo State, in October 2026.

The Edo State Command had identified the escapee as Thomas, who was being detained over alleged conspiracy and stealing.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman, had confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives were making efforts to apprehend the fleeing inmate.

With investigations now underway in Kogi, attention is expected to focus on the circumstances that allowed the two inmates to escape and the measures required to prevent further security breaches across the country's custodial facilities.