The Nigerian Correctional Service said that 281 inmates had escaped from Maiduguri prison, in the capital of Borno state, and seven of them have already been recaptured.

"The flood brought down the walls of prison facilities, including the medium security detention center in Maiduguri, as well as staff quarters in the city," said the service's head of public relations from the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Maiduguri flood: Nigerian Correctional Service declares 281 inmates escaped, some recaptured

The prisoners' absence was recorded when they were removed to a secure facility.

Despite the incident, the authorities say they are working to neutralize the fugitives, not least because they have the inmates' data in their possession, including biometric data.

The service is working in synergy with other security agencies, as secret and open deployments have been activated to protect them.