A prison break in Niger Republic has led to the escape of hundreds of detained Boko Haram terrorists and other hardened criminals, including drug traffickers, throwing the country into confusion.
The ugly incident occurred at the high-security Koutoukalé prison near the capital Niamey as the inmates reportedly overpowered guards, seizing weapons and vehicles, and breached the prison’s defences.
The landlocked country has been ravaged by terrorists and in recent times. A coup in the country ousted the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazzoun. This led to an altercation between Niger and ECOWAS, the regional block leading to Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso pulling out of the sub-regional community.
The authorities in the country have started investigation into circumstances that led to the prison break and how the inmates obtained weapons.
Authorities have also imposed a curfew in the Tillabéri region and placed the River Niger region on high alert. The authorities advised the public to report any suspicious movement that might lead to the recapturing of the escapees.
