Over 200 Inmates Escape After Borno Prison Submerged by Flood

On Tuesday, September 10, over 200 inmates escaped from the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Maiduguri, Borno State, following a severe flood. The flood, caused by the overflow of the Alau Dam, submerged the Maiduguri new prison located in the Abaganaran area, which housed both high-risk and low-risk prisoners.

Among the inmates was Aisha Wakil, popularly known as “Mama Boko Haram,” who is serving a sentence for fraud-related charges. The flooding breached security barriers and weakened the prison structure, leading to the mass jailbreak. Authorities have expressed deep concern, noting that many of the escapees are potentially armed and dangerous, posing a significant threat to public safety.

Federal Government Pledges Collaboration with Borno State

The Federal Government has assured the Borno State government of its readiness to collaborate and address the immediate humanitarian needs following the disaster. The flooding, which devastated the prison, has raised alarms about the state of critical infrastructure in flood-prone regions like Borno.

In a public statement, officials from the Ministry of Interior stressed that swift actions would be taken to rehabilitate the affected facilities and enhance security to prevent a recurrence. While no fatalities have been reported within the prison, the escape of over 200 prisoners remains a significant concern for both local authorities and national security agencies.

Manhunt Underway as Authorities Search for Escaped Inmates

As the floodwaters recede, a massive manhunt has begun to locate and recapture the escaped prisoners. Security forces, in collaboration with local law enforcement, have launched a coordinated search across the Borno state. However, prison officials have remained tight-lipped about the full extent of the incident. Mr. Bala Adamu, the prison’s public relations officer, was contacted for an official statement but declined to comment, citing an ongoing internal meeting.

Meanwhile, residents of Maiduguri and surrounding communities have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The jailbreak has heightened fears of increased crime in the region, especially as many of the escapees are considered high-risk offenders. The government has promised to provide updates on the situation as efforts to restore order continue.

President Tinubu Orders Aid After Borno Flood Triggers Jailbreak

President Bola Tinubu has voiced his concern and condolences to the people of Borno State following the recent floods that have caused widespread devastation, including triggering a jailbreak in the state. In a heartfelt message, Tinubu extended his sympathies to families who have been directly affected by the disaster, particularly those who have lost loved ones or their homes.

The president’s statement, issued by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the federal government’s commitment to working with Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum to mitigate the effects of the flood. Tinubu reassured the governor and the people of Borno that the federal government would provide the necessary support to address the humanitarian challenges resulting from the disaster.

Federal Government Mobilizes Emergency Response

To address the immediate needs of those impacted by the flood, President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to step in and provide relief efforts. NEMA has been tasked with offering urgent assistance to flood victims, coordinating with local authorities to assess the extent of the damage and implement necessary relief measures.

The president’s directive underscores his administration’s swift response to disasters, as he prioritizes the welfare of citizens in affected areas. As rescue and recovery operations continue, authorities are also monitoring the situation closely to prevent further harm and ensure that those displaced by the flood receive adequate support.