The escape attempt of two inmates, identified as Idris and Rama, from the North Kolaka Police Detention Center finally ended after eight days on the run. Both were successfully apprehended by police in Lametuna Village, Kodeoha District, on Saturday (11/7), after hiding in a mountainous area following their escape on Thursday (2/7/2026).
The two perpetrators were part of a group of eleven inmates who managed to escape by breaking through the detention center's ventilation and using sarongs and a hose as climbing aids. Throughout the manhunt, police maintained strict surveillance at points suspected of being their hiding places.
Head of Public Relations for the North Kolaka Police, Aipda Ahmad Saiful, explained that the arrest was aided by the physical condition of the two inmates, who were exhausted and starving from hiding in the mountains. Taking advantage of the situation, officers devised a strategy involving local residents to offer food to the two escapees, who had started coming down from the mountain in search of a meal.
While the two inmates were enjoying the meal provided by residents at a house, police officers immediately carried out a raid. Idris and Rama offered no significant resistance when apprehended by officers at the scene.
With the capture of Idris and Rama, a total of nine out of eleven inmates have been successfully returned to custody. Police are currently still hunting for the remaining two escapees and urging them to surrender immediately to face legal accountability for their actions.
