7 Inmates Escape from Ilesha Prison After Rainfall Destroys Perimeter Wall: NCoS Launches Urgent Manhunt

 

In a dramatic and troubling incident, seven inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State, following a heavy downpour that caused a section of the facility’s old perimeter wall to collapse. This shocking development occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, around 2:00 AM, plunging the local authorities and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) into emergency response mode.

The escape has not only raised serious concerns about the structural integrity of correctional facilities across Nigeria but has also ignited public safety fears in the affected area. As of the time of writing, a manhunt is ongoing, and the NCoS is working in collaboration with security agencies and local leaders to track down and recapture the fleeing inmates.

How the Ilesha Prison Break Happened: Rainfall and a Crumbling Wall

According to the official statement released by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) through its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the escape of the inmates was directly caused by the collapse of an old perimeter wall. The wall gave way due to intense overnight rainfall, which battered the area throughout the night and created the perfect conditions for a structural failure.

“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 statement read.

This rainfall, described as a force majeure (an act of God or natural occurrence), happened at approximately 0200 hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025, resulting in a significant breach in the facility's defenses. The gap allowed seven inmates to seize the opportunity and escape under the cover of darkness.

“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.”

Immediate Response from the Nigerian Correctional Service

Upon discovering the breach and the escape, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, wasted no time in addressing the situation. He ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident. This probe is expected to assess whether the disaster was solely due to natural causes or whether negligence or outdated infrastructure played a role.

“Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.”

The CGC also gave assurances to the public that the NCoS was not acting alone in this matter. The Service is already collaborating closely with sister security agencies—including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and possibly the military—to find the escapees and bring them back to lawful custody.

“The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody.”

Call for Public Support: Help Find the Fleeing Inmates

In a bid to widen the search and improve the chances of a swift recapture, the NCoS has also called on the general public to be vigilant and to provide any relevant information that could lead to the arrest of the fugitives. Residents of Ilesha and the surrounding communities are particularly urged to report any suspicious activity or unfamiliar persons in their neighborhoods.

“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.”

Security Concerns and the Bigger Picture

This latest prison break is a stark reminder of the urgent need to upgrade Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure. The Ilesha Custodial Centre, like many others across the country, suffers from aging structures, underfunding, and poor maintenance. The fact that a wall could be destroyed simply by rainfall underlines how vulnerable these facilities are to both natural and man-made threats.

The escape also raises questions about the state of emergency preparedness within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Was the wall inspected recently? Were there prior warnings about its structural weakness? And why was there no contingency plan in place to deal with breaches caused by severe weather?

These are the kinds of questions that the ongoing investigation—ordered by CGC Sylvester Nwakuche—will need to answer. The goal should not only be to prevent future escapes but also to restore public confidence in the correctional system.

Potential Dangers of Escaped Inmates on the Loose

Though the identities of the escaped inmates have not been made public at this time, prison breaks always raise alarm bells due to the potential danger posed by the escapees. Whether they were serving time for violent offenses, robbery, or other serious crimes, their sudden return to the streets without supervision is a public safety risk.

Local authorities in Osun State, especially in Ilesha and surrounding towns, are likely to step up patrols and increase security presence to safeguard residents. Citizens are advised to avoid any form of confrontation with suspicious individuals and instead report them to the authorities using the official response lines provided by the NCoS.

A Recurring Problem: Not Nigeria’s First Prison Break

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Nigeria has experienced a jailbreak. In recent years, the country has recorded multiple prison escapes, many of which were successful due to similar issues—poor infrastructure, understaffing, and delayed reforms. Some facilities lack surveillance cameras, proper lighting, or even adequate fencing, making them easy targets for both planned and opportunistic escapes.

In 2021, for example, over 1,800 inmates escaped from the Owerri Correctional Centre after an attack by gunmen suspected to be members of an armed separatist group. While that was a direct attack, the Ilesha incident stems from infrastructural decay, highlighting another vulnerability within the correctional system.

Next Steps: Strengthening Nigeria’s Correctional System

As investigations continue, there are increasing calls for the Nigerian government and the Ministry of Interior to invest more in the prison system. It is not enough to wait for disasters like this before taking action. Rehabilitation centers must be treated as secure and humane environments that are capable of withstanding both internal and external threats.

In the long term, new policies must be implemented to ensure:

• Regular inspections and maintenance of prison infrastructure

• Modern surveillance systems and perimeter security

• Adequate staffing and training for correctional officers

• Proper funding for emergency repairs and upgrades

Conclusion: NCoS Must Act Fast, Public Must Stay Alert

The escape of seven inmates from the Ilesha Medium Security Custodial Centre is a wake-up call to both authorities and citizens. As the manhunt continues, the focus must remain on swift recapture, full investigation, and lasting reforms. The people of Osun State—and Nigeria at large—deserve to feel safe and confident that justice institutions can withstand both human and natural challenges.

For now, all eyes are on the Nigerian Correctional Service and its leadership as they work around the clock to fix the breach, return the escapees to custody, and prevent such an incident from ever happening again.

If you have any information about the escapees, please contact the NCoS or call their Response Desk at:

📞 07087086005
📞 09060004598
📞 08075050006