The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared 281 inmates missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, following an evacuation process triggered by severe flooding in the state.
The service confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, who also reported that seven of the inmates have been recaptured.
The flooding, which severely damaged the prison facility and staff quarters, led to the breach of the prison walls, necessitating the evacuation of inmates to a more secure location. However, after the evacuation, authorities discovered that 281 inmates were unaccounted for.
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“The Nigerian Correctional Service has observed the flooding currently being experienced in Maiduguri, Borno State, and its environment,” the statement read. “The unfortunate incident has left scars, bringing down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Maiduguri, as well as the staff quarters.”
Abubakar assured the public that the correctional service has detailed records of the missing inmates, including their biometrics, which have been made available to assist in their capture.
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“The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them,” Abubakar said. “A total of seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.”
The NCoS emphasized that the public’s safety is not at risk and assured that every effort is being made to restore order and security.
The incident raises concerns about the possible escape of captured terrorists back to their hideouts and the infrastructure of correctional facilities in flood-prone areas, highlighting the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and security measures.