In a recent statement released by the Public Relations Department (PRS) of the Nigeria Prison Service, a worrying news was announced that following floods that caused the collapse of some correctional facilities, a number of inmates have escaped. According to information provided by Abubakar Umar, the service’s spokesperson, seven inmates have been caught so far, but 281 are currently at large.
The incident occurred following rising water levels that caused the collapse of the walls of the Maiduguri Medium Security Correctional Facility, as well as the staff quarters located in the city. As a safety measure, the inmates were evacuated to another secure facility, where 281 of them were found to be missing.
It is however important to note that the Prison Service has detailed information on these inmates, including their biometrics, which are being released to the public. Joint operations, both covert and overt, have been mounted in collaboration with other security agencies to locate these escaped inmates.
To date, seven inmates have been captured and returned to custody, but authorities remain mobilized to locate and safely return the others. The situation remains under close surveillance, and significant efforts are being made to locate the escaped inmates.
This alarming situation underscores the critical importance of security in correctional facilities and raises questions on what measures can be taken to avoid similar occurrences in the future. Citizens and local authorities are urged to collaborate with the security forces to facilitate the capture of these escaped inmates and ensure the safety of all.
Pending further developments on this matter, vigilance and coordination among the various security agencies remain essential to ensure the protection of the public and the smooth functioning of correctional institutions in Nigeria.