*Says Boko Haram responsible for attack
The Ministry of Interior has disclosed that about 600 inmates have escaped from Kuje Prison in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr Shuaib Belgore, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the facility in Abuja.
Gunmen reportedly attacked Kuje prison with explosives and sporadic gunshots for about 30 minutes on Tuesday night.
Belgore also said the assailants came to the prison “very prepared” with explosives.
He added that about 600 inmates escaped, saying that security operatives have retaken 300 so far.
According to him, concerted efforts are in progress to recapture others at large.
He said, “There have been several attacks on our facilities, most of them are being repelled, but every now, and then there is one that they have succeeded. In this one, they came very determined with high explosives.
“The initial entry attempt was unsuccessful, then they attacked another section of the wall with higher grade explosives which brought the wall down. The forces on ground did everything they could to repel them, but the number they came with were high which they were not able to defend against.
“They kept on fighting gallantly, unfortunately the breach happened. Reinforcement came when they were halfway through it. They were eventually repelled. At the time they came in, they killed one NSCDC personnel while trying to save the situation.
“The inmates here are 994. We understand they are Boko Haram terrorists and came specifically for their conspirators. Many of them were returned, some were retrieved from the bushes they were hiding. We have retrieved about 300 out of about 600 that got out of the jail.”
Belgore further disclosed that the number of the assailants killed is yet to be ascertained.
The permanent secretary also said that one security operative was killed while three others were wounded and are receiving treatment.
