The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt for seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, following heavy rainfall that damaged the facility’s perimeter wall.
The jailbreak occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday after the storm caused a breach in the prison’s security. The NCoS confirmed that the damage created an opening through which the inmates escaped.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Service’s spokesman, Abubakar Umar, said the Controller General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The NCoS said it is working closely with other security agencies and local community leaders to locate and re-arrest the fleeing inmates.
“Our men are on the ground and the search is ongoing. We will not rest until all escapees are returned to custody,” Umar said. “We are also taking steps to strengthen the prison’s security and avoid a repeat of this unfortunate event.”
The public has been urged to assist with credible information that could help locate the escapees. The NCoS provided three hotlines — 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006 — and asked anyone with useful information to reach out or contact the nearest security agency.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s prison system, particularly in terms of infrastructure and weather-related vulnerabilities.
