The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced a cash reward of five million naira (N5 million) for any individual who provides credible information leading to the recapture of inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State.
The jailbreak occurred on Tuesday following a heavy rain fall that caused parts of the prison’s perimeter fence to collapse.
The structural failure created an opening through which several inmates managed to escape the correctional facility.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NCoS confirmed the incident and emphasized that urgent efforts are underway to track down and return the escaped convicts to custody.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the breach, and reinforcements have been deployed to secure the facility.
Spokesperson for the Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals.
“We are calling on patriotic Nigerians to support the Service by volunteering useful intelligence that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates,” he said. “A cash reward of N5 million awaits anyone whose information results in their successful recapture.”
Security agencies, including the police and civil defense corps, are working in collaboration with correctional officers to comb surrounding communities and track leads.
This incident raises renewed concerns about the integrity of correctional infrastructure across the country, especially in light of changing weather patterns and aging facilities.
The NCoS has assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences and to reinforce existing structures.
Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or correctional service office. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
