The Nigerian Correctional Service has announced a N5m cash reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the recapture of inmates who escaped from the Medium Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer for the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the NCoS is urging members of the public to report any information regarding the whereabouts of the escaped inmates to the nearest security agencies.

The statement noted that all reports will be handled with strict confidentiality, and the identities of informants will remain anonymous.

The statement read, “In order to encourage public participation, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the general public that a reward of N5 million is being offered to anyone who provides useful information that leads to the recapture of the fleeing inmates from the Medium Custodial Centre, Ilesha, Osun State.

“The Service urges members of the public to report any information they may have regarding the whereabouts of the inmates at large to the nearest security agencies. All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality and anonymity.

“For those wishing to share information, the NCoS has provided several contact channels, including its Public Complaint Response Desk at complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng. Additional contact options include info@corrections.gov.ng and the phone numbers 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006.”

Heavy rainfall overnight on Tuesday caused the collapse of the old perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, leading to the escape of seven inmates.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) reported that the breach happened around 2:00 a.m., triggered by the wall’s structural failure during the storm.