Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that 281 inmates are currently missing after being evacuated from a flood-damaged facility in Maiduguri.
This development followed the collapse of the medium security custodial centre (MSCC) and adjacent staff quarters due to heavy flooding, according to a statement released by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abubakar Umar, on Sunday.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the NCoS, in collaboration with other security agencies, worked swiftly to relocate the inmates to a safer location. However, during the process, it was discovered that hundreds of inmates had escaped.
“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,” Umar said.
Umar also assured the public that the NCoS is in possession of the missing inmates’ records, including their biometrics, which would aid in their recapture. “The service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which are being made available to the public,” he added.
Response and Search Operations
The NCoS has activated both covert and overt operations, working alongside other security agencies to track down the escaped inmates.
Search teams have already made progress, with seven inmates being successfully recaptured and returned to custody. Umar emphasized that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining fugitives.
“The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them,” Umar stated.
“Presently, a total of seven inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on the ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.”
The flood that caused the destruction of the custodial centre has raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of correctional facilities across the country, particularly in flood-prone regions.
The collapse of the MSCC has not only jeopardized security at the facility but also displaced staff members living in the affected quarters.
Public Reassurance
Despite the alarming number of missing inmates, the NCoS has reassured the public that the situation is under control. “While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety,” Umar stated.
The authorities are calling on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, as the pursuit of the missing inmates continues. Law enforcement agencies have issued alerts across neighboring states and have heightened security measures to prevent further breaches.
Ongoing Investigation
As the search intensifies, the NCoS is expected to release periodic updates on the progress of the recapture operations.
Investigations into the integrity of correctional facilities in flood-affected regions are also anticipated, as the government aims to prevent future occurrences of similar disasters.
This incident underscores the importance of disaster preparedness within Nigeria’s correctional infrastructure, prompting calls for improved measures to safeguard against natural calamities that could compromise security.
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