The Islamic State of West Africa Province has says it is responsible for the attack on Kuje Prison where inmates were freed in Abuja.
The terrorist group claimed the attack in a statement released Wednesday in Arabic shared via A’maq Agency, a news channel run by the Islamic State.
“Islamic State fighters penetrated the prison of the Nigerian government yesterday (Tuesday), in Kuje city, on the outskirts of the capital, Abuja, after demolishing its walls, and successfully liberated dozens of prisoners,” a translation of the statement read.
Hundreds of inmates were freed Tuesday night as Terrorists attacked the Kuje correctional facility situated in the nation’s capital.
Following the incident, 64 Boko Haram fighters held at the centre for their roles in the insurgency in the North East were unaccounted for.
“A total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the unfortunate attack. As at the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, 443 inmates are still at large,” said The Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Umar, in a statement on Wednesday,
“Four inmates are dead and 16 inmates sustained various degree of injuries and are being treated at the moment. However, efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates, ” Umar said.
He also confirmed that Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape.
President Muhammadu Buhari who visited the Wednesday said he is “disappointed with the intelligence system.” He questioned how “can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it?”
Saddened by the attack on the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje. I am disappointed with the intelligence system. How can terrorists organize, have weapons, attack a security installation and get away with it? I am expecting a comprehensive report on this shocking incident.
— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) July 6, 2022
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
