Attack: NCoS mum on ‘release of inmates’, says calm returned to Kuje prison

Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Wednesday, said calm had returned to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje after an attack by gunmen on Tuesday night.

In a response to enquiries, the spokesperson for the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, confirmed that at about 2200hrs, some yet-to-be-identified gunmen attacked the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory.

The NCoS did not however confirm if inmates were set free or not but sources told Daily Trust that some terrorists were among those released by the attackers.

He said that men of the Armed Squad of the NCoS and other security agencies attached to the Custodial centre responded to the attack, adding that “calm had been restored to the facility and the situation is under control”.

Responding to inquiries, Kikiowo Ileowo, an aide to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, said: “Don’t let us jump into conclusions yet. However, what I can tell you is that police, soldiers, correctional officers, NSCDC, DSS are on the ground and have taken control of the situation. No cause for alarm at all.

On her part, Jane Osuji, a media aide to the minister said: “Details are very sketchy, please. The armed squad and other security personnel are trying to contain the situation.”

Residents had told Daily Trust that sounds of gunshots were first heard around 10pm on Tuesday.

On Social Media, Twitter users commented on the incident, with some advising resident of an estate close to the prison to stay indoors.

This attack is coming on the heels of an attack by terrorists on the advance team of President Muhammadu Buhari to Katsina State ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The convoy of cars carrying the advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers of the State House was attacked in Dutsinma, Katsina State Tuesday evening.

Two persons were reportedly injured in the attack described by the presidency as an ambush.

Before the attack on the president’s convoy, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Aminu Umar, and one other officer were killed in a clash with bandits.

Daily Trust gathered that the clash took place at a village called Yauni in Zakka district, Safana LGA.