THERE is palpable apprehension in Niger Republic, neighbouring countries and the entire Sahel region following a massive prison break at the high-security Koutoukale Prison, in the Tillaberi region, about 50 kilometres northwest of the capital, Niamey.
The ease of the jail break and escape of hardened criminals from the prison, at a time the United States (US) had withdrawn its forces and military hardware from the country at the instance of the ruling military junta, heightened concerns about the ability of country’s military to contain jihadist threats in the region, particularly as they are already stretched thin protecting the junta that seized power in last year’s coup, and responding to attacks in the western parts of the country.
A curfew has already been imposed in the restive region after the incident on Thursday, July 11, according to the Interior ministry. Two previous attempted jailbreak at the facility in 2016 and 2019 were thwarted.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad area, the prison was the scene of a violent mutiny that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.
Quoting eyewitnesses, he said gunshots and explosions were heard inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces, who arrived after the inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armoured gates, barbed wire and trenches.
It was still unclear how many prisoners managed to escape in the latest jailbreak, but the Interior minister had issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.
Tillabéri region and the entire River Niger region remain on high alert, while the curfew restricts all movement of pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles.
According to Reuters, the prison’s inmates include detainees from the country’s conflict with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda, Islamic State and suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Recall that Niger and its neighbours- Mali and Burkina Faso- all under military rule, have been battling to contain increasing jihadist and insurgents attacks.
Only on Monday, July 8, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in an attack by suspected jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda in the region.
The soldiers were ambushed between the villages of Ila Fari and Djangore, with 24 of them reportedly still missing.
The three military-led countries have also expelled French soldiers who were there helping to fight jihadist groups, while turning to Russia for military assistance.
They have also withdrawn membership and scrapped all relations with the region bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which imposed sanctions on Niger Republic after the coup by his own guards, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, ousted the civilian government of President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been detained detained since then.
