A mass jailbreak occurred at the high-security Koutoukale prison in Niger Republic, allowing hundreds of inmates, including Al Qaeda and Boko Haram terrorists, to escape.
The incident took place on Thursday in the Tillaberi region, approximately 50 kilometers northwest of the capital, Niamey.
The escape has heightened concerns about Niger’s military capacity to contain jihadist threats, particularly as they are already stretched thin protecting the junta that took power in last year’s coup and responding to attacks in the west.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, disclosed that the prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.
Citing eyewitnesses, gunshots and explosions were heard inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces. However, the inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armoured gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
Meanwhile, the ministry did not specify in its statement how many prisoners managed to escape in the latest jailbreak.
Interior Minister has issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.
In response, a curfew has been imposed in the Tillaberi region, Niger, restricting all pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle movements.
According to Reuters, the prison’s inmates include detainees from the West African country’s conflict with armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State and suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
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Moreover, this latest jailbreak adds to the instability in Niger and its neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso, all under military rule and struggling with increasing jihadist attacks.
On Monday, an ambush by suspected Al Qaeda-linked jihadist groups in the Tillaberi region resulted in the deaths of 14 soldiers, with 11 others wounded and 24 still missing.
The ongoing insurgencies in the region have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced over three million people, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.
Sahara Reporters
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