Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised concerns that several Boko Haram leaders, who were imprisoned in the state, may have escaped following a flood that struck Maiduguri, the state capital.
The flood caused extensive damage, including the destruction of part of the old prison where inmates were being housed before their relocation to a newly built maximum-security facility.
There have been reports that some prisoners may have fled during the flood’s chaos.
In an interview with the BBC, Zulum expressed his serious worry about the potential escape of Boko Haram members but also highlighted the success of the state’s “Borno Model of Rehabilitation.”
This initiative has led to the repentance of over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families in the past two years, contributing to a measure of peace and stability in the region.
Zulum also lamented the compounded challenges the state faces, including the flood disaster, which added to an already difficult security situation.
He emphasized that while they are making efforts to provide relief, the situation remains overwhelming, with the need for better organization and resettlement of victims in camps.