Kathmandu, September 16, 2025 — Nepal’s been dealing with some serious fallout from those big Gen Z protests against the government, and now it’s spilling over into the prison system in a way no one saw coming. Over the weekend, more than 13,500 inmates broke out of jails across the country in what’s being called the worst security mess in decades. So far, authorities have rounded up about 3,723 of them, including two Nigerians, one Brazilian, and a Bangladeshi. But with over 10,000 still on the run, folks are on edge.
The whole thing kicked off amid the anti-government demonstrations that have young people taking to the streets, frustrated with everything from corruption to economic woes. Protesters stormed facilities, and in the chaos, prison walls came down—literally. Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire with Nepal Police said Sunday that the escapes happened in just 24 hours, turning what started as rallies into a full-blown crisis. “We’ve got a joint operation going with the army, police, and armed forces to track these people down,” Ghimire told reporters, urging everyone to stay vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Among those caught already are some heavy hitters—notorious convicts and even politically charged detainees. The two Nigerians were nabbed quickly, but the sheer number still out there has neighbors locking doors and keeping an eye out. It’s not just a local headache; there’s worry about cross-border risks, especially with India right next door. Arson attacks even burned up court records, making it tougher for officials to sort out who goes where once they’re back in custody.
For everyday Nepalis, this feels like a nightmare on top of the protests. One Kathmandu shop owner told local media he’s sleeping with a bat by the bed, just in case. The government’s promising tighter security and faster action, but with tensions this high, it’s anyone’s guess how long it’ll take to get things under control. As one expert put it, this could drag on if the protests don’t cool down soon. Fingers crossed for a quick wrap-up—nobody wants this turning into something bigger.