Inmates escape as Osun prison perimeter wall collapses

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt to recapture seven prison inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State on Tuesday

According to NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. after a heavy downpour compromised the integrity of the prison’s outer wall, allowing the inmates to flee.

Umar also confirmed that the Controller General of the Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

“The NCoS is committed to ensuring the escapees are returned to lawful custody,” Umar said in a statement.

“We are also working to reinforce the facility’s security to prevent further occurrences.”

He added that the Correctional Service is actively collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders in efforts to recapture the fleeing inmates.

The public has been urged to assist with credible information that could aid in the apprehension of the escapees.

Umar listed the NCoS response desk phone lines as 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006.

This incident follows a series of jailbreaks in recent times. In March, 12 inmates escaped from the Federal Correctional Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, during a similar early morning breach.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, had blamed that incident on “negligence of some officers.”

Likewise, in 2024, 118 inmates broke out of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, after parts of the facility collapsed during heavy rainfall.

Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the NCoS, had attributed that Suleja prison break to “old infrastructure,” which he said contributed to the wall failure that enabled the escape.