Two months after the dramatic jailbreak in Borno State, Nigeria, 278 inmates remain unaccounted for, following an incident that saw 281 prisoners escape from a medium security custodial center in Maiduguri on September 10, 2024.
Borno, Nigeria- The incident was a direct result of severe flooding caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, which compromised the structural integrity of the facility, allowing prisoners to flee amid the chaos.
The devastating flooding in Borno, exacerbated by heavy rains, led to the breach of security barriers at the Maiduguri correctional center, creating a perfect storm for the escape. As floodwaters overwhelmed the facility, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) moved to evacuate inmates to a safer location. However, in the ensuing disarray, 281 inmates managed to escape, triggering a manhunt by law enforcement agencies to recapture the fugitives.
In an official statement, Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the NCS, confirmed the escape, stating:
“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.”
Despite efforts to contain the situation, only three escapees have been recaptured so far, leaving 278 prisoners still at large.
Authorities have made significant strides in locating some of the escapees, with three arrests reported as of now. The most recent arrest, that of Auwalu Aminu, occurred on October 16, 2024, in Banki town. This came just days after Abubakar Mohammed was arrested in Gubio town on September 15, 2024, and Kyari Kur, who was apprehended on October 10, 2024, following intelligence tips.
While these arrests are being hailed as victories in the ongoing search for the remaining escapees, police officials emphasize that the mission is far from over.
“Efforts are still ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspects, and we will ensure that we will keep on highlighting to the public our breakthroughs and achievements,” said Nahum Daso, the Police Public Relations Officer.
The recaptured individuals have been handed over to the correctional service, and law enforcement agencies continue to intensify their search efforts to track down the remaining fugitives.
The jailbreak has raised alarm across Borno State due to the nature of the convicts who remain at large. Many of the escapees are considered to be dangerous criminals, potentially posing a serious threat to local communities. Authorities fear that some of the fugitives may engage in violent crime or even orchestrate further disruptions.
Local residents have been urged to stay alert as the ongoing manhunt continues. To bolster public safety, both local and federal authorities have increased security measures across the state, with heightened surveillance and patrols in affected areas.
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