The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) revealed on Sunday that 281 inmates remain at large after escaping from the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Centre due to severe flooding in the capital last Tuesday.
NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, stated that the agency has alerted the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to assist in recapturing the fleeing inmates.
“Every security agency in the country has been notified and they are on alert to help track down the fleeing inmates wherever they may be. With their help, we will capture them and return them back to our custodial centre.”
In a statement on Sunday, he confirmed that seven of the 281 fleeing inmates had already been recaptured and returned to the facility.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service has observed the flooding currently being experienced in Maiduguri, Borno State, and its environment. The unfortunate incident has left scars, bringing down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri as well as the staff quarters in the city.
“Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service, with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing. Presently, a total of seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on the ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody,” the statement read in part.
Abubakar added that the details of the fleeing inmates had been released to the public, noting that efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend them.
“However, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which are being made available to the public. The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to locate them. While this effort is ongoing, the public is assured that the incident does not impede or affect public safety.”
The flood impacted several parts of Maiduguri, displacing over 300,000 residents and causing the deaths of more than 30 people, including children.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed concern on Saturday, stating he was “seriously worried” that Boko Haram terrorists imprisoned at the facility might have escaped during the incident.
