Prison officers have shot and killed 17 men who escaped from a jail near Papua New Guinea's second-largest city, Lae.

Key points: Majority of escapees "arrested for serious crimes", Lae police said

Majority of escapees "arrested for serious crimes", Lae police said Police recapture three of the 77 who escaped; planning operation to recapture rest

Police recapture three of the 77 who escaped; planning operation to recapture rest 12 inmates shot and killed when 94 men escaped from same prison last year

The men were among 77 who broke out of the main compound of Buimo jail on Friday.

Police recaptured three and are planning an operation to recapture the rest.

Lae's Metropolitan Police Superintendent, Anthony Waigambe Jr, said most of the escapees were on remand.

"The majority of those that escaped were arrested for serious crimes and were in custody awaiting trial," he said.

"A good number were arrested by police last year for mainly armed robberies, car thefts, break and enter and stealing."

In 2016, 12 inmates were shot and killed when 94 men escaped from the same prison.

"Same thing happened last year when we had a jail break, but we were able to recapture many and lowered the crime rate," Superintendent Waigambe said.

"This time we will do it again, so the escapees must surrender and not let us go after them."

Police warned Lae residents to expect an increase in crime.

"I call on the general public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when moving around," Superintendet Waigambe said.

"These are undesirable people and will be a threat to the community."