The Nigerian Correctional Service has declared 281 inmates missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The service noted that this followed an evacuation process in the aftermath of the flood incident in the state, as seven inmates were returned to the centre.
In a statement on Sunday in Abuja by its spokesman, Umar Abubakar said the service released the details of the inmates, including their biometrics.
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, 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.”
READ ALSO: Inmates flee Borno prison as flooding breaches security
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.
“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.”
Severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State following the Alau Dam failure, led to a prison break on Tuesday, with an unconfirmed number of inmates escaping from the city’s Custodial facility.
The rising waters damaged the prison, breaching security barriers and weakening the structure, allowing inmates to flee.
Authorities confirmed that the escapees are highly dangerous and may be armed, posing a heightened risk to public safety in the region already affected by insurgency.
Credible News.ng
