Kuje attack: Four inmates killed, 16 injured, 443 still at large – Prison boss

A total of four inmates have been killed, 16 sustained injuries while 443 are still at large in the aftermath of the attack on Kuje Prison, the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa has said.

Gunmen suspected to be terrorists had broken into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje using explosive devices through the main entrance and the fence of the facility respectively.

Also, personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the Custodial Centre was killed while three (3) personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service living in the facility were seriously injured.

A statement by Umar Abubakar, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Public Relations officer for Controller General of Corrections, said a total of 879 inmates escaped from the facility during the attack.

As at the time of this report, 443 have been recaptured, 551 inmates are currently in custody, 443 inmates are still at large, 4 inmates dead and 16 inmates sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at the moment. However, efforts are ongoing to recapture all fleeing inmates.

“The Service will deploy its Corrections Information Management System (CIMS) in synergy with National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to track all fleeing inmates and return them to custody.

“This is also to confirm to the general public that DCP Abba Kyari and other VIPs held in the facility did not escape. They are presently in custody, hale and hearty,” the statement added.

The statement adds: “Recall that after the attack at the Medium Custodial Centre in Agbolongo, Oyo state, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, met with the heads of the security agencies under his supervision where the idea of Joint SecurityTaskforce comprising the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was formed to forestall further breaches on custodial facilities.

“As at the time of the attack on the Kuje facility, we have 38 military personnel on the ground in addition to the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence, DSS and our Armed Squad. This is the Minister’s efforts to rejig the security architecture of our facilities.
“The public is also informed that some of the attackers were killed while some escaped with gunshot wounds. We, therefore, appeal to hospitals and other medical institutions and practitioners to report anyone that comes to them for treatment for gunshot injuries to the nearest law enforcement agency.

“The Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa FICMC, mni appreciates the efforts of other security agencies for coming to the rescue of the Service in a timely manner. He calls on the public to volunteer useful information that may lead to the arrest of the fleeing inmates.
“The CG has reassured the public that the unfortunate incident is being handled with every sense of dedication and professionalism. He further extends his condolence to the families of those who lost their lives during the attack and wishes the injured ones a quick recovery.”