Over 274 inmates escape during flooding in Nigeria prison

Heavy flooding in Borno state, Nigeria, led to a significant security breach at a local prison, resulting in the escape of at least 274 inmates. The Nigerian Correctional Service reported that the flood caused structural damage, bringing down the walls of the medium security custodial center in Maiduguri and affecting the staff quarters. During the chaos, 281 inmates were being transferred to a safer facility when the flooding occurred, allowing many to flee. The service spokesman, Abubakar Umar, confirmed that seven of the escapees have since been recaptured, while the search for the remaining inmates continues. Authorities are actively working to locate the escapees and have made their identities and biometrics available to the public to aid in the search efforts. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of correctional facilities in the face of natural disasters, raising concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure and emergency preparedness. The flooding not only compromised the security of the prison but also posed a risk to public safety, as many of the escapees may have been incarcerated for serious offenses. The ongoing search and recapture efforts underscore the urgency of addressing the situation, as the escapees could potentially pose a threat to the community. The Nigerian Correctional Service is likely to review its protocols and infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring that both inmates and the public are kept safe during emergencies.