Inmates Escape As Flood Pulls Down Maiduguri Prison Wall

An unconfirmed number of inmates reportedly escaped from the Maiduguri Correctional Centre yesterday after severe flooding brought down the wall of the facility and wreaked havoc in other parts of the Borno State capital.

Sources claimed that some hardened criminals, including insurgents, at the facility were among the escapees. Meanwhile, security forces have mobilized to recapture the fleeing inmates.

A similar incident happened in April this year when some 118 inmates escaped after a downpour damaged the correctional centre in Suleja. Parts of the medium-security prison, including the perimeter fence and surrounding buildings, were destroyed. Security officials went after the escapees and recaptured 10.

In February, gunmen attacked a correctional centre in the Okigwe Local Government Area in Imo State, killing a police inspector, abducted another officer and freed seven inmates.

In 2022, about 400 inmates, including Boko Haram leaders, broke out of the Kuje Correctional Centre, with the help of their colleagues who attacked the facility. The attack led to the death of four inmates, a security guard and a number of the assailants.