Prisoners escape from Niger jail that holds jihadists
Authorities in Niger have imposed a curfew in the volatile Tillaberi region following the escape of several prisoners from a heavily fortified jail known for holding jihadists.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Koutoukale prison, situated approximately 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of the capital, Niamey, according to the interior ministry.
This prison has previously thwarted two attempted jailbreaks in 2016 and 2019. Niger’s armed forces are currently grappling with jihadist attacks in the western part of the country while also safeguarding the junta that seized power in last year’s coup.
The ministry did not specify the number of prisoners who escaped in the recent jailbreak in its statement. However, it is believed that some of the escaped prisoners include captured Islamist fighters affiliated with groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in the region.
Officials have imposed an overnight curfew throughout the Tillaberi region and ordered heightened vigilance. The curfew restricts all movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
Niger and its neighbours – Mali and Burkina Faso, all under military rule, have been battling to contain increasing jihadist attacks.
On Monday, at least 14 soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded in an attack by suspected jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda in the Tillaberi region.
The troops were ambushed between the villages of Ila Fari and Djangore with 24 soldiers still reported missing.
The three military-led countries have all expelled French soldiers who were there helping to fight jihadist groups and turned towards Russia for military assistance.
Thousands have been killed in the insurgencies and more than three million displaced, fuelling a deep humanitarian crisis.
