Hundreds of terrorists, criminals, and drug traffickers have escaped from the Koutoukalé jail in the Niger Republic. The jailbreak occurred following a violent revolt at the prison located in the capital city of Niamey. The unrest overwhelmed prison security, allowing the convicts to flee with weapons and vehicles.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions around lunchtime, prompting a swift response from security forces. Despite their efforts, the prisoners had already seized control of the facility by breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
The escape follows two previously foiled terrorist attacks on the same facility. In the wake of the incident, the country’s Interior Minister issued a radio broadcast to all governors, confirming the escape and urging local leaders and religious figures to report any suspicious individuals. A curfew has been imposed in Tillabéri, and the entire River Niger area is now on high alert.
In a separate but related development, 69 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in Cameroon and Niger. This surrender, facilitated by joint maritime operations conducted by Cameroonian and Nigerian forces, occurred between July 1 and July 6, 2024.
According to a statement by Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the task force’s Public Information Officer based in N’djamena, Chad, the surrendered group included 13 men and 43 women and children. Additionally, 12 family members of the terrorists, comprising five women and seven children, were rescued. Both the surrendered individuals and the rescued family members were handed over to the troops of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, in Gamboru and Banki for further action.
Lt.-Col. Abdullahi also reported that on July 1, 2024, troops of Sector 4 in Niger Republic received a 24-year-old terrorist, Tijjani Muhammad, who surrendered with an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, and numerous 7.62mm rounds. Muhammad had escaped from a Boko Haram camp in Libye Soroa following pressure from Operation Lake Sanity II.
- The increasing number of surrenders has significantly weakened Boko Haram’s operational capability and the morale of its remaining fighters. The army has advised other terrorists to lay down their arms and surrender, emphasizing the pursuit of lasting peace in the Lake Chad basin region.
