Sat. Sep 7th, 2024

The high-security Koutukale prison, near the Nigerian capital Niamey, has seen hundreds of prisoners escape following a massive mutiny involving jihadist militiamen.

Until now, the exact number of escaped prisoners is not known, but the prison contained about 200 people accused of terrorism, according to what the Daily Post reported.

According to eyewitnesses, gunshots and explosions were heard in the area at midday on Thursday, prompting guards to intervene, but by then the inmates had already taken control of the prison, smashing the armored gates and barbed wire fences.

Prison authorities said that this is not the first time the prison has witnessed escape attempts, as two previous attempts were thwarted in 2016 and 2019.

After the recent escape, the Nigerian Ministry of Interior ordered security units to remain on high alert in the Tillaberi region, where the prison is located, and a curfew was declared in the region.

It is noteworthy that the prison is located 50 kilometers northwest of the capital, Niamey, and the entire region on the banks of the Niger River is on high alert to prevent any additional escape attempt or suspicious movements.

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