More than a year after a failed coup attempt led to a mass prison break in Sierra Leone, over 1,000 inmates remain at large.

According to a recent report from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS), 1,376 prisoners escaped from various facilities during the November 26 incident and have yet to be recaptured.

The SLCS released the report in response to an inquiry from The Calabash Newspaper, which sought information on the status of the escapees. The Acting Director General, Brigadier General Sahr DT Ngaujah, revealed that while 514 inmates have been recaptured and 90 returned voluntarily, a significant number remain unaccounted for.

The escape, which primarily affected prisons in the capital Freetown, was a direct result of the coup attempt. Over 1,800 inmates fled during the chaos, making it one of the largest prison breaks in the country’s history. The SLCS has been working tirelessly to recapture the escapees, but the task has proven challenging.

The report also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the authorities to address the situation. The SLCS has emphasized the importance of law enforcement collaboration and public cooperation in locating the remaining fugitives. Additionally, the agency has been working to improve security measures at correctional facilities to prevent future incidents.

While the SLCS has made progress in recapturing some of the escapees, the large number of individuals still at large remains a major concern. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the country’s prison system and the security measures in place.