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Jailbreak: 3 inmates recaptured as flood submerges 70% of Maiduguri, FG opens IFP Camp
Thousands of Maiduguri inhabitants have been displaced, with the Nigerian Correctional Service recapturing three inmates after a jailbreak, while 80 per cent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo died as Borno State suffered its most devastating flood disaster in 30 years, The PUNCH reports.
Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu, who’s currently abroad, called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.
Seventy per cent of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to the National Emergency Management Agency, while the flood also ravaged other major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, Lagos Area, Bulabulin, Gwange, Monday Market, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Kofar Shehu.
“Some locations that I personally know and consider to be high ground, from the report we received, are already underwater, including Lagos Street, the market area, the palace of the Shehu of Borno, at least the front of the palace, we can see water there,” NEMA spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel said.
“About 70 per cent of the town is already underwater. So, many people are trapped as the flood intensified when people were sleeping; some people woke up to discover that they were inside water.”
The NEMA spokesperson said Borno’s flat ground geology made it easier for water to flow into passage areas in Maiduguri city, adding that the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains.
“The overflow of the main source of the dam in Borno State, called Alau Dam, has brought the city to be underwater since last weekend. So, our attention now and our energy are geared towards providing necessary support, by way of search and rescue, and supporting people that have been impacted. That is what we are doing now.”
Manzo said NEMA could not ascertain the number of displaced people as at the time of filing this report, but estimated that with about 70 per cent of the town underwater, then about 70 per cent of the over 800,000 Maiduguri residents might have been affected.
Displaced persons relocated
State government efforts to relocate displaced residents were ongoing, according to the NEMA spokesperson, who added that three Internally Displaced People Camps had been opened to accommodate those affected.
“Our search and rescue team are already working with the state officials of the state emergency management agency, providing support to people affected by the flood. By the way, what is happening in Maiduguri is something that was not envisaged, and that it will be to this extent. The flooding has exceeded the forecast made because of what is happening in Maiduguri today (Tuesday).”
Manzo said city residents moved to a higher ground when the initial flood happened in Gwangi. However, the higher ground has been overtaken by water, leading the state government to open the Bakasi Camp, a bigger area, for people to move into.
“Our team is on ground there, and we are working with the state emergency management agency to provide the necessary support, and to save lives from the flooding,” Manzo added.
“Initially, about three camps were open in Gwangi, but with this situation now, people have moved to join their relations on the higher ground, and those that do not have relations in the higher part of the town, have moved to Bakasi Camp.”
The Borno State Emergency Management Agency described the flooding as terrible.
The Director-General of the agency, Barkindo Muhammad, said, “We went for a rescue and proceeded to distribute sandbags in Gozari. As I am talking to you now (on the telephone) I am trapped; we came to rescue some people and we are now trapped.”
Already, several institutions and government agencies have shut down, with the University of Maiduguri closed until further notice
“Homes are submerged, schools shut down & businesses crippled as people evacuate with their belongings,” UNCHR Nigeria stated on its X handle.
Floods have killed at least 229 people so far this year, displaced around 386,239 more and affected 94,491 houses in parts of the country but mainly in the northern region. At least 125,805 hectares of farmland have also been affected, NEMA figures showed.
Tinubu intervenes
President Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding in Maiduguri and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts.
“While relevant authorities are still assessing the damage wrought by the flood, the President calls for the immediate evacuation of people from affected areas,” a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“He orders the National Emergency Management Agency to assist the flood victims.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Maiduguri Tuesday to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.
Shettima directed government agencies to provide immediate relief to the affected communities.
“Homes, institutions, government agencies, and other businesses have been submerged in the flood. Many people are trapped and are trying to evacuate. I’m worried that the situation may get worse unless the Federal Government immediately steps in to assist the state government in salvaging the situation.”
Jailbreak
Reports say over 200 inmates escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility after a portion of the facility’s parameter fence was pulled down in the aftermath of the flood.
The floodwaters ravaged the facility’s security, damaged barriers and weakened its structure, leading to the escape of the inmates.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service Borno Command, Bala Adamu, confirmed the jailbreak. He stated that following a manhunt for the escapees, three were recaptured on Tuesday.
“We are still assessing the number of inmates who escaped from the prison. As of now, we have recaptured three of the escapees,” Adamu said.
Meanwhile, the NCoS said it was taking decisive measures to manage the fallout from its Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubukar, said the service had launched an emergency plan that included evacuating inmates to safer facilities, coordinating with security and emergency agencies for support, and ensuring continuous operation of its services.
Abubukar noted that the NCoS officials were working diligently to manage the situation and secure the safe transfer of inmates.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
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