The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) announced 281 prisoners missing from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The service stated that this followed an evacuation process in the aftermath of the state’s flood crisis, in which seven convicts were returned to the centre.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by its spokesman, Umar Abubakar, the service published information about the inmates, including their biometrics.
Abubakar said, “The Nigerian Correctional Service has observed the flooding currently being experienced in Maiduguri, Borno State, and its environment.
“The unfortunate incident has left scars, bringing 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.”
He added that “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 below.
“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 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.”
