Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers have escaped from Koutoukalé prison in Niger.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday at the prison located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) north-west of the capital, Niamey.
The prison guards were overwhelmed during the violent mutiny, and inmates escaped with weapons and vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunshots and explosions around midday, leading to a quick response from security forces.
However, the inmates had already taken control, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
The Koutoukale prison had previously thwarted two terrorist attacks in 2016 and 2019.
Niger’s Interior Minister issued a message to all governors, urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.
The minister also announced that a curfew had been declared in the Tillabéri region, and the entire River Niger region is on high alert.
KanyiDaily had reported how gunmen attacked Kuje prison in Abuja, freeing over 800 inmates including 69 detained Boko Haram insurgents.