The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that 281 inmates are currently missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a flood incident in the area.
While 7 inmates have been returned to the facility, the whereabouts of the remaining 281 inmates remain unknown, prompting an ongoing search and recovery effort.
NCOS stressed that this is due to an evacuation process in the aftermath of the flood incident in the state, as seven inmates were returned to the centre.
On Sunday, 15 September, 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) issued a statement in Abuja, signed by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, providing detailed information on the missing inmates, including their biometric data.
Abubakar said, “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, Maiduguri (MSCC), 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.”
He, however, added that “it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public below.
“The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.
“Presently, 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 this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety.”
Nigeria is facing a devastating flood crisis, with widespread destruction and displacement reported across the country.
The floods have ravaged hospitals, colleges, and tens of thousands of hectares of farmland, exacerbating food insecurity and displacement. The worst-hit areas include Borno State in the north and Bayelsa State in the south.
In Borno State, flash floods have affected over 239,000 people, with an unknown number of casualties. The floods have also engulfed a zoo, sweeping animals like crocodiles and snakes into communities.
