In a dramatic incident on Tuesday, September 10, over 200 inmates escaped from the Maiduguri Correctional Service in Borno State after severe flooding submerged the facility. The flood was triggered by an overflow from the Alau Dam, which breached security barriers and weakened the prison structure, leading to the mass jailbreak.
The prison, located in the Abaganaran area of Maiduguri, housed inmates, including Aisha Wakil, known as “Mama Boko Haram,” who is currently serving time on fraud-related charges. Authorities are particularly concerned that many of the escapees are highly dangerous and potentially armed, posing a significant threat to public safety.
A manhunt is currently underway to recapture the escaped prisoners. However, the prison’s public relations officer, Mr. Bala Adamu, has not made any official comments, stating he was in a meeting when contacted.
In response to the disaster, President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concern and offered his condolences to the affected families in Borno State. He assured Governor Babagana Zulum that the federal government is ready to collaborate with the state to address immediate humanitarian needs. Additionally, Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist flood victims as authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the disaster.