Two months after severe flooding damaged key infrastructure in Maiduguri, Borno State, including the Medium Security Custodial Centre, 278 escapees from the correctional facility are still unaccounted for. The September 10 floods led to the destruction of numerous structures, prompting the escape of 281 inmates seeking safety amidst the chaos.
The Nigeria Correctional Service spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the jailbreak, explaining, “The flood compromised the walls of the correctional facilities, leading to structural failures across the centre and nearby staff quarters.”
Following the incident, local authorities have intensified efforts to recapture the escapees. The Borno State Police Command has successfully re-arrested four escapees so far, including Auwalu Aminu, Abubakar Mohammed, and Kyari Kur. Each arrest was facilitated by tips from vigilant residents, allowing police teams in Gubio and Banki towns to swiftly act on credible intelligence.
Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Daso affirmed on Monday, “Efforts are still ongoing to locate the remaining escapees. We remain committed to updating the public on any breakthroughs.”
The re-arrested individuals have been returned to the correctional facility as the search continues for the remaining 278 escapees.
