Maiduguri Prison Break: 274 Inmates Flee Due to Borno Floods

MAIDUGURI PRISON FLOODS: 274 INMATES ON THE RUN, 7 RECAPTURED.

A devastating flood that ravaged Maiduguri, Borno State, has resulted in the escape of 274 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed on Sunday.

The catastrophic flooding, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has left a trail of destruction, displacing over one million people and claiming at least 30 lives.

According to NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar, the floodwaters brought down the prison walls and staff quarters, prompting an emergency evacuation of inmates to a secure facility.

“Regrettably, 281 inmates were unaccounted for after the evacuation. However, seven have since been recaptured and returned to custody,” Abubakar stated.

The NCoS has activated a massive manhunt, leveraging biometric data and collaborative efforts with security agencies to track down the fleeing inmates.

“We assure the public that the incident does not compromise public safety,” Abubakar reassured, adding that covert and overt operations are underway to apprehend the escapees.

The disaster has brought Maiduguri to its knees, with thousands trapped in their homes and authorities scrambling to respond.