A death-row inmate, identified as Abba Hassan, has escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum, Yobe State, prompting a massive manhunt by security agencies across the North-East.
Hassan, said to be from Maiduguri in neighbouring Borno State, reportedly escaped in the early hours of Friday, October 31, 2025.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Yobe State Police Command, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, described the escape as a serious security breach and warned members of the public against attempting to confront the fleeing convict.
“A condemned inmate, Abba Hassan, has escaped from the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Potiskum. We urge residents to be vigilant and immediately report any sighting or information that may help locate and re-arrest him,” Abdulkarim said.
He added, “For safety, no one should try to apprehend him personally. Anyone who sights the fugitive should report to the nearest police station, any correctional service facility, or call the emergency number — 08038452982.”
The police spokesperson appealed to security personnel, transport operators, vigilante groups, and community leaders across Yobe and adjoining states to remain alert and cooperate fully with the search effort.
He assured that authorities have intensified surveillance while measures are being put in place to prevent similar breaches.
Hassan’s escape has raised fresh concerns about security at correctional facilities in the country, especially those housing high-risk inmates. Security sources, however, told PLATFORM TIMES that a joint operation involving police, military, and intelligence teams has been activated to track down the escapee.
Residents have been urged to remain calm and report suspicious movements as the search continues.
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