AN overnight rainfall on Tuesday has led to the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after the facility’s old perimeter wall collapsed.
According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the breach occurred around 2:00am and was caused by the structural failure of the wall during the storm.
The spokesperson for the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, in a statement, noted that authorities have since launched a manhunt to locate and return the escapees to custody.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
He assured the public that efforts are being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies and local community leaders, the statement added.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the security of its facility at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State.
“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200 hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.
“Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
“The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody,” the statement read.
NCoS is urging members of the public to assist with any information that could aid in recapturing the fugitives.
Citizens are advised to contact the nearest security agency or reach out via the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
Prison escapes have become a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, often exacerbated by the deteriorating condition of the country’s correctional facilities.
The incidents have further highlighted the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, which have been increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and security breaches in recent years.
On September 9, 2024, a flood triggered the collapse of the perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State. A total of 281 inmates took advantage of the breach to flee.
On April 24, 2024, heavy rains also caused the walls of the Suleja Medium Security Prison in Niger State to collapse, leading to the escape of 119 inmates.
