Twelve inmates managed to escape from the Federal Correctional Centre in Kotonkarfe, Kogi State, in the early hours of Monday.
Authorities are working to recapture the fugitives and investigate how they broke out, News About Nigeria reports.
Kogi State Information Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, described the incident as an unfortunate development.
He assured residents that the government and security agencies were taking immediate steps to prevent another jailbreak.
He also confirmed that one of the escapees had already been recaptured.
Officials are puzzled by the way the inmates fled without causing visible damage to the facility.
This has led to concerns that there may have been internal help.
Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the escape to determine if there were any accomplices inside the prison system.
Governor Usman Ododo has instructed security agencies to ensure such security lapses do not happen again.
Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and report any unfamiliar individuals in their communities.
The government warned that anyone found hiding an escaped inmate would face legal action.
Despite the breakout, officials reassured residents that there was no reason to panic.
Security agencies are actively working to track down the remaining fugitives and restore order.
“We call on the public to report any suspicious individuals in their communities. Anyone found harbouring an escaped inmate will be held accountable,” he warned.
“There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” Fanwo said.
