A serious security breach has shaken Nasarawa State as thirteen suspects managed to escape from a police detention facility in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025.
The daring jailbreak occurred around 6:30 a.m. at the Area Command headquarters, where the suspects, who were under the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism units, broke through the rear wall of their cell and fled into the surrounding area.
Police sources confirmed the escape and described the fleeing detainees as individuals linked to grave criminal offenses, including kidnapping, culpable homicide, violent assault, armed robbery, and affiliation with unlawful groups.
Several of the suspects had already been implicated in multiple crimes, with charges ranging from serial theft and intimidation to attempted murder. One of the escapees was being held under a court order, while another was known by the alias “Tecno” and faced a particularly complex set of charges.
Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt to track down the fugitives. Intelligence teams have been mobilized across the region as efforts intensify to locate and return the escapees to custody. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that may aid in their recapture.
In the wake of the incident, attention has turned to possible lapses in internal supervision. Officers directly responsible for detainee oversight—including the cell guard, the record officer, the duty officer on shift, and the visiting-round officer—have all been queried and are currently under investigation.
Their roles in the events leading up to the jailbreak are being closely scrutinized, with authorities vowing to take decisive disciplinary action where necessary.
The escape has sparked renewed concerns over the condition and management of police detention facilities in the state. It has also highlighted persistent vulnerabilities in custodial operations and the urgent need for structural reinforcement, improved surveillance, and better staff accountability.
Police leadership has reassured the public of its commitment to restoring order and preventing future occurrences, while also pledging to bring the escaped suspects to justice.