NCoS denies reports of a jailbreak in Edo prison

The Nigerian Correctional Service has denied reports claiming that there was a jailbreak at the Benin Custodial Centre in Edo State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Correction JIN Osuji, the NCoS described the reports, which began circulating on January 24, as completely unfounded.

According to the report being circulated, three inmates, including two convicted fraudsters, allegedly escaped from the custodial centre on Friday, January 16, 2026.

The report further identified the third alleged escapee as one of the persons arrested in connection with the 2020 #EndSARS protests, who had not received a final conviction.

However, in the statement released, Osuji stated that there had been no jailbreak, escape, or security breach in any custodial centre in Benin City or elsewhere in Edo state

“Comprehensive checks and verifications conducted by the Edo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service confirm that all inmates are fully accounted for, and custodial operations across the State remain secure, stable, and under effective control.

The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to assure the general public, especially residents of Benin City and Edo State, that all custodial facilities in the State are secure, there is no threat whatsoever to public safety arising from any custodial centre, and the Service remains fully committed to its statutory mandate of safe custody, security, and rehabilitation of inmates” the statement read