Eight Inmates Escape from Way Kanan Police Detention Centre, Lampung Police Chief Takes Charge

Bandar Lampung, VIVA — Lampung Regional Police (Polda Lampung) have disclosed that they are currently hunting eight inmates who successfully escaped from the Way Kanan Police (Polres Way Kanan) detention centre.

The information was revealed by Lampung Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf in a statement received in Bandar Lampung. The incident is understood to have occurred on Sunday, 22 February 2026.

“A search for the escaped inmates is currently under way,” he said on Monday, 23 February 2026.

He stated that Lampung Police had instructed its Internal Affairs Division (Propam), Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimum), and Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation (Dirreskrimsus) to assist Way Kanan Police in conducting the pursuit.

“We urge the escaped inmates to surrender immediately to avoid firm action by police officers,” he said.

He also appealed to family members who may know the whereabouts of the inmates to promptly provide information and hand them over to the police in an orderly manner.

“We have conveyed to the families that they should surrender peacefully or be handed over to the nearest police station,” he said.

He further affirmed that Lampung Police would carry out an evaluation and examine officers who were on duty at the time of the incident.

“The Lampung Police Internal Affairs Division is currently investigating potential procedural negligence in the security of the detention centre. Internal Affairs has already examined officers who were on duty at the time of the incident. We hope the inmates can be swiftly recaptured and secured,” he said.