By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Seven inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after a torrential downpour caused the collapse of the facility’s old perimeter wall in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the breach occurred around 2:00 a.m., following the overnight rainfall that compromised the structural integrity of the wall.
In a statement issued by the NCoS spokesman, Umar Abubakar, it was disclosed that a full-scale manhunt has been launched to locate and return the escapees to custody.
“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 statement read.“
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The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.”Reacting to the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape and the apparent vulnerability of the prison infrastructure.“
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 added.
Authorities have also urged members of the public to assist with any useful information that could aid the ongoing search.
“The Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates. Anyone with information should please contact the nearest security agency or call the NCoS Response Desk lines as follows: 07087086005, 09060004598, 08075050006.”
While no identities have been released, officials assured that all efforts are being intensified to ensure the escapees are located swiftly and the breach fully addressed.
