The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the escape of two inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Okene, Kogi State, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji. The Service said it had begun action with other security agencies to recapture the fleeing inmates.

In the statement, Osuji said the NCoS confirms that two inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Okene, Kogi State, on Sunday, 8th November, 2026. She added that the Service has commenced necessary actions in collaboration with relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt recapture of the fleeing inmates.

The statement did not disclose the identities of the escapees, saying a full report on the incident was still being awaited.

The Kogi State Police Command also confirmed the escape of the two convicted inmates from the Okene Correctional Centre. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the command received a report from the correctional centre and was collaborating with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant security agencies to ensure the prompt rearrest of the escapees. She said efforts to trace and apprehend the fleeing inmates are ongoing.

Although the police did not officially disclose the identities of the escapees in its public statement, reports indicated that a situation report from the Okene police division identified them as Samson David, convicted of theft, and Salvation Moro, convicted of armed robbery. The two inmates were said to have escaped through the facility back fence at about 10:30am on Sunday.

Their photographs were attached to the police situation report to aid their identification and facilitate their apprehension.

Osuji said a comprehensive report on the incident was being awaited to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape. She said the Controller General of Corrections has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, with a view to identifying any lapses and taking appropriate action where necessary.

The investigation is expected to establish how the inmates got out and whether any operational failures contributed to the escape.

The Okene escape follows that of an awaiting trial inmate from the Auchi centre in Edo State in October 2026. The Edo State Command of the NCoS confirmed that the inmate, identified as Thomas, escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi, where he was being held over conspiracy and stealing.

The latest incident has again raised concerns about security at custodial centres across the country, particularly the safety of perimeter fencing and supervision of inmates.

For now, security agencies say the manhunt for the two escapees remains active. Residents of Okene and surrounding communities have been urged to report suspicious movements and to avoid harbouring the fleeing inmates. The authorities say anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station or correctional facility, as efforts continue to return the two convicted inmates to custody.