The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 240 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kabba, Kogi State, following an attack by unidentified gunmen.
Spokesman of the NCoS Francis Enobore in a communiqué on Monday said the attack took place at about midnight on Sunday.
According to Mr Enobore, the comptroller–general Haliru Nababa has ordered a recapture procedure to be activated immediately and detailed investigation carried out.
He said Nababa also appealed to the general public to furnish security operatives with useful intelligence that will assist in recapturing the escapees.
Kabba MSCC was established in 2008 with a capacity of 200.
As of the time of the invasion, 294 inmates were in custody out of which 224 were pre-trial detainees and 70 convicted inmates.
Assistant inspector general of police in charge of Zone 8, Lokoja, Ayuba Edeh, confirmed the killing of two soldiers at a roadblock about 50 metres from the correctional centre.
The gunmen shot at the soldiers before attacking the prison facility.
