Over 600 inmates escape after terrorists attack Kuje prison, Buhari convoy

Eric Patrick

There was pandemonium among residents of the Kuje prison area in Abuja after explosions and gunshots were heard from the direction of the correctional centre following Tuesday evening’s attack by suspected terrorists.

Our correspondent gathered that over 600 inmates escaped from the Kuje Correctional Centre and some reported death.

A spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, AD Umar, confirmed that gunmen had attacked the correctional centre but that normalcy had been restored after security agencies intervened.

“I wish to confirm that about 2200hrs, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory,” Umar said.

In a briefing with newsmen, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mr Shuaibu Belgore explained that over 300 of the inmates have been retrieved and more are on the way.

According to him, the facility houses 994 inmates and the attackers, which he suspects are Boko Haram terrorists, attacked the facility to rescue their co-conspirators.

He also added that one person died and three others were injured during the attack.

“However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial centre have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control.”

The incident comes hours after gunmen attacked a presidential advance convoy near Dutsinma, Katsina.

“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy,” presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu said.

“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff, and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”

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