Officials in Nigeria’s Kogi State say many of the inmates who escaped during an attack on a facility have been re-arrested.
Kingsley Fanwo, the State Commissioner for Information said security agencies were working to apprehend those behind the attack.
The state government had said 240 prisoners escaped after gunmen attacked the Kabba Custodial Centre in the early hours of Monday.
Nigeria’s prison service said a large number of heavily armed attackers arrived at the prison and fought a fierce gun battle with the guards, freeing many inmates and killing two soldiers.
“We can confirm that some gunmen attacked the Kabba Custodial Centre but investigations are still on to clearly ascertain the number of inmates that escaped from the centre. We also lost two security operatives. That is the number we have at the moment,” Mr Fanwo said in a statement.
“The state security adviser, commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) is currently at the centre with the Kogi state commissioner of police and the commander, army records, Lokoja.
“Security agencies have zeroed in to ensure those who escaped are rearrested as well as trail the masterminds of the attack. We have confidence in our security agencies to unmask the masterminds responsible for the attack and get them apprehended.
“Our security network has led to the rearrest of majority of the inmates that escaped as some have also come back to the centre on their own.
“Security agencies, traditional rulers and local hunters are working in synergy to ensure normalcy.”
“Our people should go about their normal businesses as security agencies are doing their best to ensure security of lives and property in the face of the unfortunate breach,” he added.
By Abel Ejikeme