There was a massive security cordon around Abuja, following the attack on Kuje Correctional Center by fighters of Boko Haram, who stormed the prison and freed 150 terrorists, as well ass 450 inmates detained at the medium security prison, which also houses high profile inmates such as governors and senators.
Following fears that the insurgents were still lurking in the shadows and might launch another attack in the city, security forces were deployed to beef up troops at the entry points of the city as well as the entry and exit points of Kuje Area Council.
The Federal Capital Territory Authorities (FCTA), had last week, issued a veiled red alert, directing all social, relaxation centers and recreational parks to close by 7pm daily till further notice.
It was further gathered that beyond troop deployment, massive patrols and surveillance activities were intensified by police and intelligence agencies even as a flurry of security meetings had commenced apace.
There was also controversy surrounding the whereabouts of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, after bandits attacked the facility, where he was kept.
An official, who preferred anonymity, said the whereabouts of Kyari remained unknown to him as of 09.30am on Wednesday.
“We have not seen him today. He didn’t also come for early morning prayer as usual. But I don’t know what is happening. I am sure he is not missing and he didn’t escape. But I don’t know where exactly he is,” he said.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar, also said, “Kyari is not missing” and was not moved from the Kuje prison.
“He is still in our custody. Nothing happened to him. He has not been moved,” he said.
In a statement Wednesday, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), said the armed squad of the service in collaboration with other security agencies responded to the attack.
The statement titled: “Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje attacked by gunmen”, stated that, the armed squad of the the service responded to the attack.
“I wish to confirm that at about 2200hrs, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory.
“However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial Centre have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control. Other details will be made available soon,” it said.
About 300 terrorists launched a violent attack on Kuje Correctional Center, deploying bombs, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG).
Six inmates and one security personnel were killed during the attack.
The Minister of Defence, Maj.Gen Bashir Magashi (rtd), said of the 994 inmates at the prison, 600 escaped.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Sunday Babaji, were at the scene of the attack to inspect damaged facilities in the aftermath of the attack.
Prison officials said at the end of the attack after a roll call was taken at 2am Wednesday, only 111 inmates were left.
The situation has also forced the relocation of other other high profile detainees.
The insurgents had attacked through the back of the prison and planted bombs around the facility.
The minister, who said the situation was under control, confirmed that Boko Haram inmates had all escaped.
“The attack started around 10:30pm. They came in their numbers, gained entrance into the prison and they released some of the inmates and which we are now following to see the kind of inmates that they have released.
“Very soon, we will give you the correct figure of the inmates that were taken. Aside that, we are trying to see what we can do to ensure that all escapees are returned.
“The prison is accommodating about 994 inmates and over 600 escaped. Many people have been recaptured and brought back to the prison. Maybe by the close of the day, more will have been captured and returned.
“I think everything is under control. The people who came to do this activity, from the records, we believe they belong to a particular group. Most likely, they are Boko Haram members, because we have sizeable number of Boko Haram suspects in detention, and presently, we cannot locate any of them. I think they are about 64 in the prison and none of them now is available; they have all escaped,” the minister said.
A statement issued by the minister’s office, said, Magashi, who was received and conducted round the damaged facility by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Interior, Belgore, described the organised crime as unfortunate.
“The Defence Minister, who had to delay his flying time to Owerri, Imo State, to attend the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), was also briefed extensively by the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, as well as other heads of military and para-military agencies on hand at the location.
“This was with a view to conducting a post-attack analysis and to forestall a re-currence of the dastardly act by the gunmen believed to be terrorists,” the statement stated.
Fielding questions from journalists, the minister, however, appreciated the timely repelling of the attack by the gallant security operatives, who were drafted in on reinforcement to contain the attackers.
He reassured Nigerians that President Buhari would be briefed and also gave an assurance that the jailbreakers could not go unapprehended and would definitely face the wrath of the law.
The defence minister disclosed that further briefing on the incident that led to the attack would be received, adding that one life was lost on the side of the proactive repellants security forces.
The minister also tasked the Gomo of Kuje, Haruna Tanko Jibrin to summon all traditional chiefs in Kuje Area Council to combine intelligence with security agencies to apprehend all inmates, who escaped from the correctional facility.
He called on members of the communities to provide appropriate intelligence to the security agencies to enable them do their work.
He added that such incidents constituted a threat to everybody, hence the need for everyone to support the security agencies in carrying out their assignments.
Prison officials said over 150 terrorists were freed that night.
“All the major, biggest terrorists, armed robbers and kidnappers have escaped. No reinforcement came two hours after attack. Nobody came for assistance. Kuje correctional center completely taken over and all criminals and terrorists have escaped,” an official, who spoke anonymously, said.
Atiku Worries over Implications of Escapees on Abuja, Environs
Presidential candidate of the PDP in 2023, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, expressed shock over the Kuje Prison break, stating that it has great security implications for people living in Abuja and environs.
He also consoled the federal government over the death of the immediate past secretary general of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Sanusi Mohammad Barkindo.
In series of tweets, the former vice-president, said, “I am concerned and saddened by reports of the attack on Kuje Prison by suspected terrorists.
“My concern arises not only from the prospects of the escape of detained terrorists and hardened criminals but of its implications for the security of lives and property to residents of Abuja and its environs.
“I wish to restate what I said to THISDAY Newspapers on Monday that our inability to enthrone a regime of law and order in which the arrest and prosecution of criminals will be made a priority as a deterrent to copycats is the reason why insecurity continues to fester in our country,” Atiku stated.
On the death of the immediate past Secretary General of OPEC, Atiku said, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am saddened by the passing away of the Wali of Adamawa, Secretary-General of OPEC, and former GMD NNPC, Dr Muhammad Sanusi Barkindo. Barkindo left indelible marks in his service to our nation and OPEC. He was indeed a worthy ambassador of Nigeria.
“He died in active service, having delivered a speech at the ongoing Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja and held a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari hours before passing. He was my very good friend, and he will be sorely missed.
“My condolences to his family and friends, management and staff of NNPC and OPEC. I pray that Allah forgives his sins and grants him Aljannah Firdaus. Ameen,” he stated.
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