The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that its operatives have initiated a manhunt for seven inmates. These individuals “escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun state,” early Tuesday morning.
Abubakar Umar, the NCoS spokesperson, stated that the inmates fled around 2 am. Their escape was facilitated after “heavy rainfall damaged the facility’s perimeter wall.”
Umar confirmed that Sylvester Nwakuche, the service’s controller general, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. This indicates a swift official response to the breach.
The spokesperson further added that the NCoS is collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders. This joint effort aims to “recapture the fleeing inmates.”
“The NCoS is committed to ensuring the escapees are returned to lawful custody,” he declared in a statement. This reiterates the service’s determination to apprehend the escaped individuals.
“We are also working to reinforce the facility’s security to prevent further occurrences.” This highlights ongoing efforts to improve the prison’s infrastructure and prevent future escapes.
Umar urged the public to provide credible information that could assist in the recapture efforts. This calls for public cooperation in locating the escapees.
He provided the NCoS response desk lines: 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006. These numbers offer direct contact points for public assistance.
In March, approximately 12 inmates escaped from the federal correctional centre in the Koton Karfe area of Kogi. This jailbreak occurred in the early morning hours.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, attributed the prison break to the “negligence of some officers.” This points to human error as a contributing factor.
Last year, 118 inmates also escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger state. This indicates a recurring issue with prison security.
Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the federal capital territory (FCT) command of the NCoS, reported that those inmates escaped after “heavy rainfall weakened parts of the prison,” leading to a collapse. This identifies a similar cause for a previous escape.
Duza cited “old infrastructure” as the reason for the collapse. This suggests that the age and condition of prison facilities contribute to their vulnerability.
