The Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has disclosed that 1,376 inmates are still on the run following a mass prison escape from the Pademba Road and Special Court correctional facilities.

The incident, which took place on November 26, 2023, involved a total of 1,890 inmates who fled custody.

Brigadier General Sahr D.T. Ngaujah, the Acting Director General of SLCS, provided an official update on the situation in response to an inquiry by a local media outlet.

According to the SLCS, 1,919 inmates were originally in custody before the escape. Since then, 514 inmates have been recaptured, while 90 others voluntarily returned.

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The report also revealed that 203 of those recaptured were discharged, alongside 56 voluntary returnees, leaving 1,376 inmates still at large.

The escape has presented a major challenge for the SLCS, particularly as the majority of those who fled remain unaccounted for. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the scale of the escape continues to raise concerns about public safety and the capacity of the correctional facilities.

In his statement, Brigadier General Ngaujah assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to track down the remaining escapees.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the SLCS and other security agencies to bring the situation under control and restore order.

While the SLCS has expressed a commitment to securing the recapture of the remaining inmates, the mass escape has underscored the need for a thorough review of security measures at correctional facilities.

The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities within the prison system, with calls for stronger preventive strategies to avoid such occurrences in the future.

As the SLCS continues its efforts to manage the aftermath of the escape, the public has been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in providing any information that could lead to the capture of the escapees.