The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that 281 inmates are missing following the evacuation efforts prompted by recent flooding in Maiduguri. Officers, supported by other security agencies, had moved the inmates to a safer facility.
This information was disclosed in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr. Abubakar Umar, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Umar, seven inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals. “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,” Umar explained.
He added, “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.”
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Despite this situation, Umar assured that the NCoS is in possession of the missing inmates’ details, including their biometrics. “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 confirmed that while seven inmates have been successfully recaptured and returned to custody, efforts to find and secure the remaining inmates are ongoing. “While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety,” he stated.