The Nigerian Correctional Service has announced that 281 inmates are missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a devastating flood.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, spokesman Umar Abubakar explained that the flood damaged the prison walls and staff quarters, prompting an evacuation process.
Sister security agencies assisted in the evacuation, which led to the discovery of 281 missing inmates.
However, the Service has their biometric details and is working to recapture them.
Seven inmates have already been recaptured and returned to custody, with covert and overt operations underway to track down the remaining missing inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service reassured the public that the incident does not immediately endanger public safety, and that they are actively working to return the missing inmates to custody.
The service has released the biometric details of the missing inmates and is collaborating with other security agencies to apprehend them.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information regarding the whereabouts of the missing inmates.
Abubakar said: “The Nigerian Correctional Service will continue to work to ensure the recapture of the missing inmates and prevent future incidents.”
The incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of Nigeria’s correctional facilities to natural disasters and potential security breaches.
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