In the wake of devastating floods that submerged over half of Maiduguri, Borno State, 281 inmates have escaped from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facility in Maiduguri.
The flooding, which has displaced over a million residents, was triggered by an overflow of the Ngadda River.
Initial reports mistakenly blamed the collapse of the Alau Dam, but authorities clarified the river overflow as the primary cause.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has noted the severe flooding in Maiduguri, which has damaged correctional facilities, including the medium-security custodial center and staff quarters. After evacuating inmates with support from other security agencies, 281 inmates were found to be missing.
NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar reported that while seven prisoners have been recaptured, efforts are ongoing to locate the rest. Their details have been made public and seen below:
Security forces are working together to ensure public safety remains uncompromised.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun airlifting relief materials to the flood victims.
In collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service, NAF transported 300 bags of rice to support those affected. NAF has also launched a medical outreach program and is providing essential supplies to over 2,000 displaced individuals.
Air Commodore UU Idris handed over the relief items to the Borno State Government for distribution.
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) expressed concerns over the handling of the crisis, criticizing the lack of preventive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure like the Alau Dam.
NAS also raised questions about the proper use of the N3 billion federal relief aid, urging transparency and accountability to actually relief the burden on the displaced people.
The federal government faces increasing pressure to address the aftermath and prevent future incidents from causing such widespread devastation.
Addressing the root cause of the flood now, rather than waiting for next year, is crucial. It’s inhumane for the government to allow this devastation to repeat. The cause is known, and a responsible government should act to prevent it.
