The Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) under the leadership of the new Controller General of Prisons, Dr. Peter E. Ekpendu, has recaptured 108 inmates out of 275 prisoners who escaped from Medium Security Prison in Minna, Niger State on Saturday, December 6.

Dr. Ekpendu, who took over as Prisons boss during the weekend, made the disclosure in a statement by NPS Spokesman, Mr. Ope Fatinikun.

He said that the inmates were recaptured through combined efforts of military, security and intelligence agencies and cooperation of surrounding communities.

While assuring Nigerians that a search party comprising the Nigerian Army, Directorate of State Service (DSS), Police and Prisons are still conducting investigation and search around the neighbouring states.

Dr. Ekpendu said the incident was not a terrorist attack but an attempted jailbreak. He therefore appealed to communities and neighbouring states of Kwara, Kaduna, Kebbi and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be vigilant and watch out for any suspicious movement around and report such person(s) to the nearest Police stations or Prisons formations.

“The total number of inmates in the Prisons’ custody as at today is one hundred and fifty seven (157) which includes forty nine inmates that did not escape,” the statement said.

•Photo shows Controller General of Prisons, Dr. Peter Ekpendu.