The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Borno State Command, has launched a search for a 22-year-old inmate who escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
The inmate, identified as John Israel, reportedly escaped from the custodial facility, prompting the correctional authorities to alert security agencies and members of the public as efforts intensified to locate and return him to custody.
According to the NCoS, the inmate’s name appears as “John Isearl” on his official inmate uniform, a detail the authorities said could assist members of the public and security personnel in identifying him.
The service described Israel as 1.69 metres tall, dark-complexioned and of moderate build. He also has complete dentition.
The circumstances surrounding his escape, including the exact time and manner in which he left the facility, were not immediately disclosed by the Command.
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The development is expected to trigger an internal review of security arrangements at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, particularly the circumstances that enabled the inmate to leave the facility.
The NCoS is urging anyone with information that could assist in locating Israel to promptly report to the nearest correctional facility or security agency.
The Command also advised members of the public to exercise caution and avoid attempting to apprehend the escapee themselves, but instead provide relevant information to security authorities.
The escape comes amid the broader security challenges confronting correctional facilities across the country, where authorities have continued to strengthen custodial security, surveillance and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent inmate escapes.
The Borno State Command said further updates would be provided as the search operation progresses.