KEY POINTS

• Inmate escapes from Maiduguri maximum-security prison.
• NCoS identifies him as “JOHN ISEARL”.
• Public told not to arrest him but report sightings.

An inmate has escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, prompting the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to alert residents and security agencies to help locate him.

The Borno State Command of the NCoS announced the escape in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The development has raised concern as the escape occurred at one of the state’s highest-security correctional facilities.

The NCoS Public Relations Officer in Borno State, AB Thliza, confirmed that an inmate had escaped from the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre.

According to the service, the name “JOHN ISEARL” was seen on the uniform of the escaped inmate. The authorities released the information to assist members of the public and security agencies in identifying and locating him.

The NCoS urged residents to remain alert and to report any information that could help establish the whereabouts of the escapee.

Public urged to report information

The correctional service appealed to anyone who sees a person believed to be the escaped inmate to immediately contact the nearest police station, correctional facility or another recognised security agency.

The command said information provided by members of the public could help security agencies find and return the inmate to custody.

For urgent information, the NCoS provided the following telephone numbers: 0806 044 836, 0806 211 0090 and 0806 277 6875.

The service also stressed that information should be passed through official security channels rather than through attempts by individuals to track down the escapee themselves.

The correctional service specifically warned members of the public not to attempt to arrest or apprehend the escaped inmate.

It said people who have information about his location should allow trained security personnel to handle the situation.

The warning is aimed at preventing possible confrontation or danger to members of the public, particularly if the escapee is armed or resists arrest.

Following the announcement, security agencies are expected to work together to trace the inmate and return him to custody.

The NCoS called for public cooperation, stressing that timely and credible information could assist the authorities in ensuring public safety.

The command did not provide further details on how the inmate escaped, when exactly the escape occurred, or whether any other person was involved.

Until further information is released, residents have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person or activity to the appropriate authorities.