Seven Inmates escape from Osun Correctional Facility, FG launches manhunt

The Federal Government has begun a widespread manhunt for seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, following heavy overnight rainfall that compromised the facility’s security.

According to a statement issued Tuesday night by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), DCC Abubakar Umar, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on May 20, 2025.

He confirmed that the downpour caused a breach in the perimeter, enabling the inmates to flee. In response, the Controller General of Corrections, CGC Sylvester Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the jailbreak.

Umar disclosed that security operatives are collaborating with sister agencies and community leaders in a coordinated operation to track down and rearrest the escapees.

He appealed to members of the public to support the effort by providing any useful information that could lead to the capture of the fugitives. The NCoS also released emergency response lines for the public: 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006.

The Service reaffirmed its commitment to restoring full security at the custodial centre and bringing those responsible for the breach to justice.