Inside Nigeria
Kuje Prison Attacks: FG Blames Boko Haram As 64 of Their Members Escaped
Minister of Defence Major Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) has blamed Tuesday’s 10,25pm attacks on the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre on Boko Haram insurgents.
The Minister revealed that the records and patterns of the attacks as well as those who escaped from the facility, all indicators point in the direction of the insurgents.
Magashi, who briefed reporters on the matter, said 64 members of the insurgent group have escaped from the facility following the attacks.
But he added the situation is under control as soldiers from the Brigades of Guards have taken over command and control of the environment.
The Minister, who also visited the Kuje facility with other security Chiefs, said: “We are now trying to see what we can do to ensure that all escapees are brought back.”
He said all security personnel within the facility responded in equal measure to the attackers but the attackers came in large numbers.
According to him” From the records, they belong to a particular group. The Boko Haram insurgent group. And all of them inside the facility have escaped.
“But the situation is under control and that’s why you see people going about their normal business activities. We called for reinforcement and the Brigades of Guards are here, and have taken control.
“We have recovered some of those who escaped. I saw about 200 of them. And some did not leave the facility. Many are still being re-arrested, and hopefully by the close of the day everything will be brought under control.”