Seven inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after the facility’s old perimeter wall collapsed.

Their escape followed an overnight rainfall on Tuesday, with the breach occurring around 2:00 am and was caused by the structural failure of the wall during the storm.

NCoS spokesman, Umar Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement, saying 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.NCoS LAUNCHES MANHUNT AFTER RAINFALL WRECKS HAVOC ON OLD PERIMETER WALL

“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 also called on members of the public to assist with any information that could aid in recapturing the fugitives.

The agency encouraged citizens to contact the nearest security agency or reach out via the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

See the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE

NCoS LAUNCHES MANHUNT AFTER RAINFALL WRECKS HAVOC ON OLD PERIMETER WALL

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.

Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), 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.

However, 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. 

Umar Abubakar  ANIPR

Deputy Controller of Corrections

Public Relations Officer