Nigerian Prison Authorities Offer Cash Reward Of ₦5 Million for Tips on Osun Prison Break

 

The Federal Government is offering a N5 million cash reward for any credible information that leads to the recapture of seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has triggered a manhunt across the state and beyond, with security agencies urging the public to assist in tracking down the fugitives.

DCC Abubakar Umar, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the development on Wednesday through an official statement issued in Abuja. According to him, the monetary reward is aimed at encouraging citizens to come forward with relevant intelligence that could help security operatives rearrest the escapees swiftly and safely.

The NCoS emphasized the importance of community involvement in the ongoing effort, assuring that any tips received will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality and discretion. Authorities stressed that anonymity is guaranteed for those who may wish to report without disclosing their identity, especially given the potential risks involved.

Citizens who may have sighted any suspicious individuals or have relevant information about the escapees' whereabouts are urged to contact the nearest law enforcement agency. Additionally, the NCoS has provided several official communication channels through which the public can reach out. These include the Public Complaint Response Desk at: complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng, as well as direct email and telephone contact via info@corrections.gov.ng and phone numbers 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006.

The circumstances surrounding the prison break are still under investigation, and the NCoS has yet to provide detailed accounts of how the inmates managed to flee from the custodial facility. However, the agency reassures the public that all necessary security measures are being reinforced to prevent a recurrence of such breaches.

This incident underscores growing concerns about prison security across the country. While efforts to reform correctional facilities continue, recent escapes have highlighted vulnerabilities that demand urgent attention.

The reward announcement is seen as a strategic move to harness community intelligence and accelerate the recapture process. Authorities are optimistic that with active public cooperation, the escapees will be brought back into custody in the shortest time possible.

Security personnel remain on high alert across Osun State and neighboring areas, conducting searches and monitoring potential hideouts. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service has called for calm, encouraging citizens not to take matters into their own hands but to relay any findings directly to the appropriate channels.

As the search intensifies, the NCoS reiterates its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that those who breach the law are held accountable.