The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that 274 inmates are missing after severe flooding caused the walls of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, to collapse.
In a statement released on Sunday, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar disclosed that the prison’s structural integrity was compromised by catastrophic floods following the collapse of the Alau Dam due to heavy rainfall. These floods have ravaged Maiduguri, submerging large parts of the city, displacing over a million residents, and resulting in at least 30 fatalities.
Described as the region’s worst flooding in 30 years, the disaster has wreaked havoc on infrastructure and homes. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been leading rescue efforts, saving over 400 people trapped by the rising waters. However, the extent of the damage has left many residents relying on canoes to evacuate through the city’s submerged streets.
The NCoS, alongside other relevant authorities, is working tirelessly to locate the missing inmates. “The unfortunate incident has caused significant damage, bringing down the walls of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, along with the staff quarters,” Abubakar said.
He further explained that while prison officers, with support from other security agencies, evacuated inmates to safer facilities, 281 inmates were found to be missing. Seven have since been recaptured, with efforts ongoing to locate the rest.
The NCoS assured the public that the details and biometrics of the escaped inmates are in their possession, and covert and overt security operations have been deployed to ensure their swift return to custody. “The public can be assured that this incident does not compromise overall public safety,” Abubakar added.
