NCoS Debunks Reports Of Jailbreak In Edo Custodial Centre

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed as false and misleading reports of an alleged jailbreak at the Benin Custodial Centre in Edo State.

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

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

The reports further claimed that the third alleged escapee was among those arrested in connection with the 2020 #EndSARS protests and had not received a final conviction.

Reacting to the claims, Osuji stated that there had been no jailbreak, escape, or security breach at 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,” Osuji said.

The Service expressed concern that the media organisation involved failed to seek verification from either the Edo State Command or the NCoS National Headquarters before publishing what it described as a grave allegation with profound public safety implications.

“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 said.

While reaffirming its respect for the role of the media in nation-building, the NCoS warned that it would not hesitate to pursue appropriate legal remedies against individuals or media organisations that publish false, unverified, or malicious reports capable of causing public panic, undermining national security, or damaging the image of the Service.