The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that 274 inmates are missing following the collapse of the walls at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri due to flooding.
NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar shared this information in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, has had severe consequences.
The floods, triggered by the failure of the Alau Dam after heavy rainfall, have inundated large areas of the city, displacing over a million people and causing at least 30 fatalities.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been actively involved in rescue efforts, saving more than 400 people stranded by the floodwaters.
Umar confirmed that the NCoS has detailed records of the missing inmates, including their biometric information.
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He said, “The flood brought 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.
“However, 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 (7) 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.”
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