NCoS Refutes Claims of Jailbreak at Benin Custodial Centre

The Nigerian Correctional Service has officially debunked swirling rumors regarding a purported jailbreak at the Benin Custodial Centre in Edo State, labeling the claims as entirely baseless and a product of misinformation. In a swift response to social media reports that had begun to gain traction, the Service maintained that its facilities remain secure and that no inmates have gone missing.

The controversy began when reports surfaced on January 24, alleging that three high-profile inmates had escaped the facility under the cover of darkness on Friday, January 16, 2026. According to the unverified accounts, the group of escapees supposedly included two individuals convicted of high-stakes fraud.

The report also claimed that the third individual involved in the alleged escape was a detainee linked to the 2020 EndSARS protests. This specific detail added a layer of political sensitivity to the story, as the individual was reportedly still awaiting final conviction. The news quickly spread across various digital platforms, sparking concerns regarding the security architecture of the Benin City facilities.

Reacting to the development through a formal statement issued on Tuesday, the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Correction JIN Osuji, dismissed the narrative as a fabrication. Osuji emphasized that there is no threat to public safety and that the security of the custodial centres in Benin City has not been compromised.

The spokesperson clarified that the Edo State Command of the NCoS conducted a rigorous and comprehensive verification process following the emergence of these rumors. The audit, which involved a physical headcount and a review of digital records, confirmed that every single inmate assigned to the facility is present and accounted for.

Osuji noted that custodial operations throughout Edo State are currently stable and under effective control. He reassured residents of Benin City and the wider Edo State community that the NCoS remains vigilant and fully committed to its primary mandate of ensuring safe custody and rehabilitation.

While acknowledging the critical role that the media plays in democratic nation-building, the NCoS issued a stern warning against the dissemination of “false, unverified, or malicious reports.” The Service noted that such misinformation is not just a nuisance but a significant threat to national security, capable of inciting unnecessary public panic.

The statement further indicated that the NCoS is prepared to take legal action against any media organization or individual found to be peddling falsehoods that damage the reputation of the Service. The NCoS highlighted that maintaining public trust is essential for the effective management of correctional facilities.

Observers note that the rapid response from the NCoS was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order, especially given the history of jailbreaks in the region during periods of civil unrest. By providing a clear and transparent update, the Service aims to restore confidence in its ability to manage high-risk detainees and convicted felons.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has recently been under pressure to upgrade its infrastructure and surveillance systems to prevent breaches. Authorities state that the Benin Custodial Centre, specifically, has seen significant security enhancements in the last year, making an undetected escape of three inmates highly improbable.

Despite the firm denial, the NCoS has encouraged members of the public to remain observant and report any suspicious activities near correctional facilities to the nearest security agency. The Service maintains that its intelligence units are working closely with other law enforcement arms to monitor the surrounding environment.

The official stance remains that the reports were a result of “misleading journalism” and that the internal atmosphere of the Benin facility is calm. Prison officials confirmed that routine activities, including rehabilitation programs and scheduled visits, are proceeding without interruption.

As the digital age makes the spread of “fake news” easier, the NCoS urges journalists to verify their sources with the appropriate authorities before going to press. This proactive approach by the NCoS serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between public information and institutional security.

Ultimately, the Service stands by its assertion that the gates of the Benin Custodial Centre remain locked and its perimeter remains unbreached. Residents are urged to go about their daily lives without fear, as the tactical units of the NCoS continue to maintain a 24-hour watch over the state’s correctional assets.