Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers have escaped from the Koutoukalé prison near the capital city of Niamey.
The prison break occurred on Thursday, causing significant alarm and prompting a swift response from security forces.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions around midday, signaling the beginning of the chaos. The inmates managed to overpower the guards, seizing weapons and vehicles, and eventually breaking through the prison’s formidable defenses, including armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
This incident marks the first successful escape from Koutoukalé prison after two previous attempts by terrorists were thwarted. The escape has led to heightened security measures, including a curfew in the Tillabéri region and high alert status for the entire River Niger region.
Niger’s Interior Minister has issued a radio message to all governors, urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals. The escape poses a significant security threat, with Boko Haram terrorists now at large in the region.
