In a shocking and unprecedented incident, the high-security Koutoukalé prison near Niamey, Niger, experienced a dramatic mass escape on Thursday, July 11. According to Zagazola, a renowned security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region who shared the story via his X handle formerly Twitter, hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers managed to break free in a meticulously planned and executed operation.
The chaos erupted around midday when a violent mutiny within the prison walls overwhelmed the guards. Eyewitnesses reported a barrage of gunfire and explosions, creating a scene of utter mayhem. Inmates armed themselves with stolen weapons and commandeered vehicles, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches with alarming ease.
This daring escape has cast a stark spotlight on the vulnerabilities of Koutoukalé prison, previously considered impregnable after successfully thwarting two jihadist attempts to free inmates. The incident has triggered an urgent investigation to uncover how the prisoners managed to arm themselves and overpower the security personnel.
The Interior Minister swiftly responded, issuing a radio alert to all governors and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. A curfew has been imposed in the Tillabéri region, with the entire River Niger area placed on high alert as security forces scramble to recapture the escapees.
This massive security breach has left the nation on edge, with authorities intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing terrorists. The public has been urged to remain alert and provide any information that could assist in the swift recapture of the escaped prisoners.
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