Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly breakout of prison in Niger

Members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, numbering in their hundreds have reportedly escaped from the Koutoukalé prison in Niger Republic.

According to reports, drug traffickers and other criminals serving a variety of sentences also broke out of the Correctional facility located near the capital city of Niamey.

Eyewitnesses claim there was a violent mutiny on Thursday, July 11 that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.

Gunshots and explosions were said to have been heard from inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces.

However, security intervention was already too late as inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.

This is the first successful prison break in a series of recent attempts at the facility as the two previous attempts by terrorists to attack the prison had been thwarted.

Following the situation, a curfew has been declared in the Tillabéri region, and the entire River Niger region is on high alert.

Niger’s Interior Minister issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.