The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that 274 inmates are missing after heavy flooding caused the collapse of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State. NCoS spokesman, Umar Abubakar, revealed on Sunday that the incident occurred following the collapse of the Alau Dam due to intense rainfall, which has displaced over a million residents and claimed at least 30 lives.
The flooding, the worst in 30 years, has caused widespread devastation in Maiduguri, submerging large areas and damaging infrastructure. Despite ongoing rescue efforts led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which has saved over 400 people, the situation remains dire.
The flood overwhelmed the prison walls, leading to the escape of 281 inmates. While seven have been recaptured, efforts are underway to find the remaining 274. NCoS, alongside other security agencies, has activated both covert and overt measures to locate and recapture the missing inmates.
