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The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State.
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The correctional authorities identified the escapee as JOHN ISEARL, the name reportedly appearing on the inmate’s prison uniform.
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The NCoS warned members of the public against attempting to arrest the escaped inmate themselves, directing anyone with credible information to immediately contact the police.
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The escape has triggered renewed security concerns in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, where security agencies continue to operate in an environment shaped by years of insurgency and heightened security threats.
August 20, (THEWILL) — The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer in Borno State, AB Thliza, in a statement on Wednesday, appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could assist security agencies in locating and apprehending the fugitive.
According to Thliza, the name “JOHN ISEARL” appears on the prison uniform associated with the escaped inmate.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to provide any useful information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive, or any person reasonably suspected to be the escapee from the Maiduguri custodial centre,” Thliza said.
He urged anyone with credible information to report immediately to the nearest police station, Nigerian Correctional Service facility or any other relevant security agency.
The command released three telephone numbers through which members of the public can provide urgent information: 0806 044 836, 0806 211 0090 and 0806 277 6875.
The NCoS also issued a strong warning against vigilante action, stressing that members of the public must not attempt to arrest or apprehend the escapee.
“Members of the public are strongly advised not to attempt to arrest or apprehend the individual. All reports should be channelled through the appropriate security authorities,” the statement said.
The command said the cooperation of residents and other Nigerians would be crucial to ensuring public safety and assisting the authorities in recovering the escaped inmate.
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Security Concerns
The escape comes against the backdrop of the sensitive security environment in Borno State, which has endured years of insurgency and violent attacks, making the security of custodial facilities a matter of particular concern.
The Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri houses inmates under the supervision of the NCoS and remains an important component of the state’s criminal justice and security infrastructure.
Although the correctional authorities have not disclosed whether the escape was connected to any broader security incident, the launch of a manhunt indicates that efforts are underway to locate the inmate and return him to custody.
Security agencies are expected to rely on intelligence gathering, surveillance, and information from members of the public in tracing the fugitive.
The NCoS consequently urged residents not to ignore suspicious movements or encounters but to immediately alert the appropriate authorities.
The NCoS assured the public that all credible information provided to the authorities would be treated as relevant to the ongoing effort to locate the fugitive.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
