The Nigerian Correctional Service said on Monday that six inmates had voluntarily returned while 35 others refused to escape from custody after hoodlums attacked the centre.
One thousand eight hundred and forty four inmates escaped after hoodlums attack the correctional center in Owerri.
A statement the spokesman of corrections, Francis Enobore, said he Controller General of Corrections has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The statement said: “The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody.
“The attackers who stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.
“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna Buses armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle.
“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our history. As at the last count, 6 inmates have so far voluntarily returned to the facility while 35 inmates refused to escape from custody during the attack.”
