At least 286 inmates have reportedly escaped from the Maiduguri medium security custodial centre following severe flooding in the city on Tuesday. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is currently in Maiduguri to assess the flood’s impact on the facility.

A statement from the service spokesman, Umar Abubakar, revealed that the federal government is taking steps to evacuate the correctional centre. Abubakar assured the public that security forces are coordinating with other agencies to ensure public safety.

The Federal Government has also initiated the evacuation of residents from flood-affected areas in Maiduguri. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stated on Tuesday that it is providing food, shelter, and medical aid to those impacted by the disaster.

The flooding, which began over the weekend and worsened on Monday, September 9, 2024, was caused by excess water from the Alau Dam. One of the dam’s spillways collapsed, leading to a surge in water flow and exacerbating the situation in nearby areas.

Neighborhoods affected include Shehuri, G.R.A., Gambomi, Budum, Bulabulin, Adamkolo, Millionaires Quarters, Monday Market, and Gwange. The Borno State Government has opened Bakassi Camp to accommodate displaced individuals, with NEMA and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency providing humanitarian assistance.

President Tinubu directed NEMA to take immediate action to assist the flood victims. NEMA spokesman Ezekiel Manzo described the flooding as unprecedented, with many parts of Maiduguri affected for the first time in years. Thousands of homes have been submerged, and over 150,000 people, representing more than 23,000 households, have been affected. The numbers are expected to rise beyond 200,000 as more areas are impacted.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, a native of Maiduguri, visited the affected areas and confirmed that the collapse of the Alau Dam spillways caused the flooding. The disaster has also impacted the city’s post office and zoo, with authorities warning that dangerous animals may have been washed into local communities.