Kakata Central Prison jailbreak in Liberia

On September 20, 2026, a mass jailbreak occurred at the Kakata Central Prison in Margibi County, Liberia. Inmates reportedly breached prison walls and scaled barbed-wire fences to escape. While initial reports suggested more than 100 inmates fled, subsequent details indicated the number of escapees was between 79 and over 100.

The incident highlighted severe overcrowding and staffing shortages; the facility was reportedly holding approximately 217 prisoners despite a design capacity of 60, with only one correctional officer on duty during the breakout.

In response, the Liberian Ministry of Justice and the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation began verifying inmate identities. Joint security forces, including the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police, launched search-and-recapture operations in Kakata and surrounding areas. At least 10 individuals were reportedly rearrested following the initial escape.

The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia issued a security alert advising travelers to exercise caution in Margibi County. Additionally, the civil society organization Sawabenu criticized the event, citing it as a symptom of systemic failures and overcrowding within the Liberian justice system.