The Nigerian Correctional Service has announced that 281 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, are missing.
The incident occurred after the facility was evacuated due to severe flooding in the area.
According to a statement obtained on Sunday by the service’s spokesman, Umar Abubakar, seven inmates have been returned to the facility so far.
News360 Nigeria reports that the service has also made public the details and biometrics of the missing inmates in an effort to track them down and ensure their return to custody.
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.”
