The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) has reported that 281 inmates are missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, following an evacuation due to severe flooding.
According to a statement by NCOS spokesman, Umar Abubakar, seven inmates have since been returned to the facility.
Abubakar explained that the flooding had caused significant damage to the correctional center and staff quarters, leading to the necessary evacuation of inmates with support from other security agencies.
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During the process, it was discovered that 281 inmates were missing. He assured the public that the NCOS has detailed records of the missing inmates, including their biometrics, and efforts are underway, in collaboration with other security agencies, to track and recapture them.
Abubakar also noted that public safety remains unaffected by the incident. “The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.