The Kuje Custodial Centre located in the Federal Capital Territory came under attack late hours of Tuesday.
Gunmen were reported to have shot sporadically and bomb blasted Kuje prison. This ambush was apparently to free inmates, despite earlier warning by the Nigeria’s intelligence service.
According to source the State Security Service (SSS) as at Tuesday warned that there would be a forthcoming attack on the person. Reports has it that the prison houses apprehended dangerous criminals, Boko Haram terrorists, and top public officials detained or already convicted. Some terrorists were also relocated to Kuje prison two weeks ago.
The impact of the attack is not immediately known but officials are suspecting a terrorist motivation to free dangerous criminals.
In recent times there have been similar attack on prisons across Nigeria to free inmates unlawfully.
The Service Public Relation Officer (SPRO), Mr, Abubbakar Umar, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said, normalcy has been restored after security agencies intervened.
“I wish to confirm that about 2200hrs, some yet to be identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory
However, men of the Armed Squad of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies attached to the Custodial center have responded and calm has been restored to the facility and the situation is under control.
Details will be made available soon” he said.
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The incident comes hours after gunmen attacked a presidential advance convoy near Dutsinma, Katsina.
The prison is located at Kuje Area Council of the FCT, lying outside the Abuja city centre, 47 kilometres to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, and 24 kilometres to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Some Eyewitnesses alleged that the attack lasted for over an hour. One Twitter user said, “These ppl hv been shooting for bout 1 hour at Kuje. This house shook 3 times, bomb, explosives… i dunno But im on d floor in my room, seated n praying. Lord help us”
These ppl hv been shooting for bout 1 hour at kuje. This house shook 3 times, bomb, explosives… i dunno
— 👸🏾Aderoju omoba Jesus(scar girl) 🇳🇬 (@Abisola_kongat) July 5, 2022
But im on d floor in my room, seated n praying. Lord help us
SOURCE: PREMIUMTIMES
