Seven inmates at the Ilesha Correctional Facility escaped in the early hours of Tuesday, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed late Tuesday night.
Following the security breach, the federal government has launched a nationwide manhunt to track down and re-arrest the fleeing inmates.
In an official statement issued on Tuesday night, the NCoS spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, stated:
“The force majeure, which occurred at approximately 02:00 hours on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, led to the escape of seven inmates.”
Read Also:
Ondo: Doctor, two others remanded to prison for procuring abortion, raping minor
12 Inmates escape from Kotonkarfe prison in Kogi, Government calls for probe
He added that the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Service is working closely with sister security agencies and local community leaders to recapture the escapees and return them to custody,” Umar said.
The NCoS also appealed to members of the public for assistance, urging anyone with useful information to come forward.
“The Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing any information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the nearest security agency or call the NCoS Response Desk on any of the following numbers:
0708 708 6005, 0906 000 4598, 0807 505 0006,” the statement concluded
