The Nigerian Correctional Service 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 prison wall.
The escape happened around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, when a section of the prison’s old perimeter wall collapsed during a storm.
In a statement released by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the service confirmed that the wall failure created a breach, which the seven inmates used to flee the facility.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the security of its facility,” the statement read.
“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours led to the escape of seven inmates.”
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered a full investigation into the escape and promised that all efforts would be made to recapture the fugitives.
“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.
Members of the public have been urged to assist by providing any useful information. The NCoS also shared emergency numbers the public can call: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
This is not the first time Nigeria’s correctional facilities have faced such problems. In September 2024, 281 inmates escaped from a prison in Maiduguri after floods destroyed the walls. In April 2024, another 119 inmates escaped from Suleja Prison in Niger State due to rain-induced wall collapse.
