An official, who requested anonymity, revealed that some Boko Haram leaders detained at Maiduguri New Prison were among those who fled.

More than 200 inmates escaped following a devastating flood that destroyed part of the prison wall in Maiduguri, Borno State.

An insider at the Maiduguri Correctional Facility shared with reporters on Tuesday that over 200 prisoners escaped when a section of the perimeter wall was brought down by the floods that hit the city the same day.

The source disclosed, “The torrential rain triggered severe flooding, which affected the prison’s structure. A portion of the wall collapsed, allowing several inmates, including Boko Haram commanders, to escape. Altogether, over 200 prisoners fled.”

“We managed to relocate 200 other inmates to a safer facility,” the source added.

This event contradicts earlier reassurances by the Borno State government, which had claimed flood prevention measures were in place just days before.

The floods, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, left many residents of Maiduguri and nearby communities stranded, with widespread destruction and displacement reported.

Abubakar Umar, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, confirmed ongoing assessments and promised further updates.