An overnight downpour on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, led to the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, following the collapse of an old perimeter wall.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) attributed the breach to the structural failure of the facility’s wall, which gave way around 2:00 a.m. during the storm.
In a statement issued by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the service confirmed that a manhunt had been launched to locate and return the escaped inmates 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 force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.”
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He assured the public that all efforts are being intensified, with the support of security agencies and community leaders, to recapture the escapees.
“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.
The NCoS also appealed to members of the public for assistance and encouraged anyone with useful information to contact the nearest security agency or reach out via the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
This escape adds to a growing list of similar incidents across the country, largely attributed to the poor state of Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure.
In recent years, several prison breaks have occurred due to natural disasters and aging facilities. Notably, on September 9, 2024, flooding caused a breach at the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Borno State, allowing 281 inmates to escape. Similarly, on April 24, 2024, heavy rainfall triggered a collapse at Suleja Medium Security Prison in Niger State, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates.
These recurring incidents continue to raise concerns over the vulnerability of correctional centres in Nigeria.
