Over 281 inmates of Maiduguri prisons escape

Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Over 281 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Maiduguri (MSCC) following the flooding that collapsed the fence of the centre.

The flood which did not spare the staff quarters also rendered the officers homeless who were busy salvaging their belongings so leaving the inmates to their fate.

In a statement, the Nigerian Correctional Centre has since declared the escaped inmates wanted.

Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, it was discovered that over 281 inmates were observed to be missing.

According to the statement, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their (inmates) details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public.

The service also said that it’s working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them adding that a total of seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

“While the effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety” the service appealed

Recall that on September 10, 2024, over one million residents in Maiduguri woke up to witness a devastating flood that washed off their homes, farms and livelihoods while a huge number of lives have since been reported lost.

Houses are partially submerged following Alau Dam collapse in Borno State.

The collapse of the dam caused a severe flooding, destroying thousands of homes and worsening a dire humanitarian crisis.

According to the state governor, Babagana Zulum, the flooding affected over a million people, saying that the authorities scrambled to rescue residents and placed them in temporary shelters.