Seven inmates broke free from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, in the early hours of Tuesday after a heavy downpour led to the collapse of the facility’s aging perimeter wall.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said the breach occurred at about 2:00 a.m., triggered by structural failure during the storm.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the escapees.
NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, in a statement, confirmed that a full-scale search is underway.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation and promised tighter collaboration with security agencies and local leaders.
“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, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
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“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 is asking members of the public to report any suspicious movement or information that could lead to the arrest of the escapees. Citizens can reach out through these hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.
Breakouts like this have become a serious concern, drawing attention to the state of Nigeria’s correctional centres.
Last year, on the 9th of September, flooding caused the wall of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, to collapse allowing 281 inmates to flee.
On the 24th of April 2024, rainstorms struck again, this time in Niger State, where 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Medium Security Prison after the walls gave way.
These incidents reveal a recurring weakness: many of Nigeria’s correctional facilities remain vulnerable to harsh weather and poor maintenance.