NIGERIAN PRISON ESCAPEES INCLUDE 69 BOKO HARAM AND ISWAP TERRORISTS

Nearly 70 Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists, were among the almost 1,000 inmates who escaped during a terror attack at a major prison in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a top official said Friday.

Police Affairs Minister Mohammed Dingyadi said the terrorists came in a large number and with “superior weapons” which overwhelmed security late Tuesday at the Kuje Prison, leading to the escape of 879 inmates.

“Nobody anticipated it. I think what helped them was the number of people they came with and the superior weapons they came with,” he said.

Authorities released photographs of the 69 terrorists and urged Nigerians to report any if they are spotted.

The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary, ministry of interior, had said the insurgents came “very prepared” with explosives.

“The initial entry attempt was unsuccessful, then they attacked another section of the wall with higher grade explosives which brought the wall down,” he had said.

“The forces on ground did everything they could to repel them, but the number they came with were high, which they were not able to defend against.

“They kept on fighting gallantly [but] unfortunately the breach happened. Reinforcement came when they were halfway through it. They were eventually repelled. At the time they came in, they killed one NSCDC personnel while trying to save the situation.

“The inmates here are 994. We understand they are Boko Haram terrorists and came specifically for their conspirators.“

Nigerians have been expressing concern about the brazen attack, fearing security in the capital may have been compromised.

President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an investigation into the escape, two days after he visited the site.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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