Business

Heavily-armed gunmen attack Nigerian prison, free hundreds of detainees – most still on the run — RT World News

After heavily-armed attackers stormed the prison west of Nigeria, over 800 Nigerian detainees were freed. 262 of those who fled were recaptured by the authorities. 575 others remain in hiding.

The prison, located in Nigeria’s Oyo State, was raided overnight by a group of unknown assailants, the country’s prison service confirmed on Saturday. The attackers engaged in a firefight with the prison guards, forcing their way in by blowing holes in the facility’s walls with explosives.

Only pre-trial defendants were released by the attackers. Convicted prisoners remained locked up. There were 64 inmates at the jail, which is why they are still incarcerated. The casualties of the attackers to prison guards were not immediately known.

“While all the awaiting trial detainees were forced out of custody, the cells housing the convicts and the female inmates were not vandalized,”According to the prison services.

During the raid, over 800 prisoners were released. Official figures show that 262 detainees were caught by authorities and another 575 are still on the loose.

Although it wasn’t immediately obvious what caused the raid, or who it was, it is common for armed attacks to occur in West Africa, which has been plagued by security problems, including Islamist insurgencies and separatist movements.



Massnews.com also available
More than 260 prisoners were freed after raiders blew up Nigerian prison walls, killing a soldier and a police officer.


Last month saw another prison raid in Kogi State, during which more than 220 prisoners were liberated by an armed group. The raid resulted in the deaths of a soldier and a cop officer. One of Nigeria’s largest prison raids happened in the southeastern Imo State in April. A gang attack resulted in nearly 2,000 prisoners being released from the local correctional institution.

Are you sure your friends would find this interesting? Tell your friends!

[ad_2]

Tags

Related Articles

Back to top button