The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Interior, has released a list of individuals who escaped from prisons and are now considered most wanted across the country.
Officials confirmed that the announcement was made to alert the public and encourage citizens to provide useful information that could lead to their capture. The Ministry of Interior published the names of the escapees as follows:
• Nworie Ikechukwu
• Nwosu Ikeja
• Obi Chika
• Obioha Ozoema
• Obi Chinedu
• Obiakor Francis Uche
• Obinna Emmanuel
• Obioha Victor
• Adamu Ibrahim
• Ajoku Darlington
• Adamu Muhammed
• Amanje Ikenna
See all the list and the faces on FG site here.
Authorities stated that these individuals were declared wanted after breaking out of correctional facilities and remain at large.
In its official statement, the Ministry of Interior wrote:
“The following persons have been declared wanted by the Ministry of Interior (Nigerian Correctional Services). If you have any information regarding any of them, Please Call the numbers +2348075050006, +2347087086005, +2349060004598 , +234 (0) 700 009 9999 or Contact the nearest police station.”
Ministry of Interior emphasised that members of the public should remain vigilant and report any sightings of the escapees to law enforcement agencies.
Security agencies intensify search
Security agencies across Nigeria were reported to have intensified efforts to track down the fugitives.
The government urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that those declared wanted are returned to custody.
The development highlighted ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s correctional system and reinforced the government’s call for public support in maintaining national security.
What is Nigeria Correctional Service?
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is the government agency responsible for managing prisons and correctional centres across Nigeria.
Established in 1861 and formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service, it was renamed in August 2019 following the Nigerian Correctional Service Act. The agency operates under the Federal Ministry of Interior and is headquartered in Abuja.
Its duties include the safe custody of inmates, rehabilitation, and reformation programmes aimed at reducing re-offending. All custodial centres in Nigeria are federal facilities, with no state-run prisons. The NCoS plays a vital role in the country’s criminal justice system.