Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has voiced his concern over the escape of terrorists from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Custodial Centre in Maiduguri following last Tuesday’s devastating floods. The incident, caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam, led to severe flooding that damaged the walls of the facility, allowing inmates to flee.

“I’m worried. Yes, I’m seriously worried,” Zulum said, reacting to reports that 281 inmates, including some jailed terrorists, escaped. This figure is higher than the initially reported 200 inmates.

The floods, which Zulum described as the worst in 30 years, affected over two million people, doubling his previous estimate of one million victims. The governor, while yet to confirm the death toll, emphasized the state’s ongoing humanitarian assistance efforts and highlighted the success of the “Borno model” rehabilitation program for repentant insurgents. According to him, over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have surrendered in the last two years, contributing to peace in the state.

The NCoS confirmed the escape and has released the biometrics of the 281 missing inmates. Spokesman Abubakar Umar announced that seven have been recaptured and efforts to track down the rest are underway. He assured the public that all security agencies have been mobilized to aid in the re-arrest of the remaining fugitives.

Support for flood victims has also begun. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) initiated airlifts of relief materials donated by the Nigerian Customs Service, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar donated ₦100 million to assist affected communities. The NAF has also launched a medical outreach to provide essential supplies and healthcare for flood victims.

Atiku, during a visit to Governor Zulum, expressed condolences for the lives lost and called for an investigation into the cause of the dam collapse.