About 281 inmates are currently on the run following the recent flood in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said.
This was disclosed in a statement made on Sunday in Abuja by the spokesman of the Service, Mr. Abubakar Umar.
According to Umar, seven inmates have since been recaptured.
He said the service possesses comprehensive information on the missing inmates, including their biometric data.
“The flood damaged the correctional facilities, including the Maiduguri Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) and staff quarters in the city,” he said.
“During the evacuation of inmates to a safer facility, it was observed that 281 inmates were missing. However, the service holds detailed records of the escapees, including their biometrics, which are now being made public,” Umar added.
He added that the NCoS is actively collaborating with other security agencies, employing both covert and overt strategies to locate the escapees.
“As of now, seven inmates have been successfully recaptured and returned to custody. Efforts are ongoing to track down the others and ensure their return,” he stated. “The public is reassured that this incident does not compromise overall safety.”
