A mass jailbreak took place around 1pm this afternoon at the Bomana CIS facility in Port Moresby.
Correctional Service Commissioner Stephen Pokanis told this newsroom that the number of escapees is unknown at this time.
“Currently jail officers are doing master roll to determine how many prisoners have escaped but we believe there may be a large number of them,” Mr Pokanis said.
Details as to how the breakout happened is still unknown at this stage as investigations continue.
“All this information will be out shortly,” Pokanis said.
Police and CS operations are currently at Bomana and surrounding areas around the jail.
Meanwhile the NCD/ Central Police Command has issued a notice out to the general public travelling along the Hiritano Highway, Bomana and Sogeri Road to be on alert.
Police have also advised the public to call 1800 100 if they notice any suspicious persons around those areas at this time.