Over 1000 inmates of Kuje Correctional Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, escaped Tuesday night as terrorists stormed the facility late into the night.
Those who live in the neighbourhood said the invaders used dynamites to destroy the heavily fortified facility, including the Central Terrorism Unit, CTU, freeing all the terrorists there.
The invaders, in their numbers, were said to have attacked the correctional centre from the back. They planted dynamites around the walls and collapsed substantial portions.
Bashir Magashi, minister of Defence, confirmed Wednesday during a press conference at the facility that all 64 Boko Haram suspects in the Correctional Facility were missing.
The facility had 1, 365 inmates at the time of the attack. After an initial headcount, only about 111 inmates were left.
Earlier in the day in Katsina State, a band of terrorists ambushed the convoy of cars conveying the advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers, ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah near Dutsinma, injuring two.
In a statement late Wednesday, Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, described the incident as “sad and unwelcome.”
He said “the attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police, and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy. Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”
The same day in Katsina, an assistant commissioner of police was killed by terrorists.
Superintendent of Police, Gambo Isah, Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina, said ACP Umar died in a battle the police had with over 300 bandits.
He said one other undisclosed person died in the incident.
He gave further details:
“Today at about 1130hrs, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over 300, on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team, while on clearance operation of recalcitrant bandits/terrorists, in Zakka forest, Safana LGA of Katsina state.
“Consequently, the Area Commander and one other, gallantly lost their lives during a cross exchange of gun fire.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Idrisu Dabban Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the Command, expresses his deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and pray to almighty Allah to repose their souls in Jannatul Firdausi. He reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment on the ongoing onslaught against terrorism in the state until it is completely routed out, please,”
Last week, terrorists ambushed soldiers on rescue mission to a mine attacked by terrorists in Niger State, killing seven soldiers.
Six soldiers were also recently killed in Taraba by unknown gunmen.
As the 2023 general elections draw near, the country is fast slipping into anarchy.
Click here to read more articles
WhatsApp us