7 inmates escape from Ilesa prison, Ncos launch search operation
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 ancient perimeter wall collapsed.
The Nigerian Correctional Service claims that the wall’s structural failure during the storm was the reason for the breach, which happened at around 2:00 a.m.
In a statement, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar said that officials had subsequently begun a manhunt to find and apprehend the escapees.
An immediate investigation into the event has been requested by Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, the Controller General of Corrections.
“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 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.
NCoS has urged members of the public with useful information to come forward as this could aid in recapturing the fugitives.
It is recommended that citizens get in touch with the closest security agency or call the following hotlines: 08075050006, 09060004598, or 07087086005.
Prison escapes have emerged as a persistent security issue in Nigeria, which is frequently made worse by the state of the nation’s prisons.
The occurrences have also brought attention to how Nigeria’s prison system is in worse shape and how susceptible it has become to natural disasters and security breaches in recent years.
Recall that the exterior wall of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, collapsed on September 9, 2024, due to flooding. 281 prisoners escaped as a result of the breach.
This came after 119 prisoners escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Prison in Niger State on April 24, 2024, when the walls collapsed due to severe rains.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp:NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
[…] The NCoS Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the FCT Command, Mr. Samson Duza, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. […]