Maiduguri flood: NCoS reveals identities of 274 fleeing inmates

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that 274 inmates went missing after floods destroyed the walls of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri.

NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, providing an update on the situation.

The Service also confirmed that seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are ongoing to locate and bring back the remaining escapees.

The severe flooding, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall, has submerged large parts of Maiduguri, displacing over a million people and causing at least 30 deaths.

Umar stated that the Service has detailed records of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.

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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.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Clement Idoko