A torrential downpour in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, has led to the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after a section of the facility’s aging perimeter wall collapsed under the weight of intense rainfall.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the incident, describing it as a result of a “force majeure.” According to a statement issued by NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the breach occurred around 2:00 a.m., prompting immediate efforts to track and recapture the escapees. A coordinated manhunt involving multiple security agencies and local community leaders is currently underway.
“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 Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and subsequent jailbreak. He also gave assurances that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fugitives and reinforce the compromised section of the custodial centre.
Citizens with relevant information have been urged to support the authorities by contacting nearby security formations or calling the following emergency lines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006. A cash reward of N5million is being offered to anyone who provides useful information that leads to the recapture of the fleeing inmates.
Tuesday’s incident has reignited public concern over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s correctional facilities. Experts and civil society groups have long warned that many such facilities are in dire need of structural upgrades and are increasingly susceptible to both environmental damage and security breaches.
The Ilesa escape is the latest in a series of troubling episodes. In April 2024, the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State experienced a similar wall collapse due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the escape of 119 inmates. Just a few months later, in September 2024, 281 inmates fled from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, following flooding that compromised the facility’s defences.
The Nigerian government continues to face mounting pressure to overhaul its correctional infrastructure as climate-related incidents expose vulnerabilities that pose serious threats to public safety.
