Boko Haram Terrorists parts of 281 escaped inmates from Maiduguri Prison
Over the weekend, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum voiced serious concern about the recent escape of terrorists from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
“I’m worried. Yes, I’m seriously worried,” Zulum stated, referring to reports that many inmates escaped due to flooding that damaged the facility’s walls.
The NCoS has reported that 281 inmates are missing, surpassing the earlier figure of 200 noted by Zagazola Makama.
The flooding, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam—which had long been neglected—has caused the worst inundation in the state in 30 years.
While Zulum has yet to confirm the death toll, he estimates that over 2 million people have been affected, an increase of 1 million from his previous estimate.
He also mentioned that his administration is providing humanitarian assistance to flood victims and continues to support the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents and terrorists.
He said: “You have to bear in mind that the Borno State Government has established what we call the Borno model of rehabilitation, which has allowed many insurgents to repent.
“Within the last two years, over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented, and I think this has also yielded positive results in ensuring the return of peace and stability to Borno State.”
NCoS, which released the biometrics of the 281 missing inmates yesterday, reported that seven of them have been rearrested.
The service also stated that all security agencies have been notified to help in recapturing the remaining fugitives.
The spokesman for the NCoS Abubakar Umar, said the service observed that “upon the evacuation of inmates by officers with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.
“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 Maiduguri city.
“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.
“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 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”
