Breaking: Boko Haram Terrorists takes over Kuje federal prisons; releases hardened criminals into Abuja

Boko Haram fighters have seized control of the prisons in Kuje, an Abuja suburb, freeing hardened criminals into the nation’s capital.

The insurgents stormed the facility at about 10:00 p.m., detonating explosives and opening live rounds on state agents guarding the facility, according to a senior government official.

The official could not immediately elaborate on the unfolding chaos at the prison, which holds suspects ranging from disgraced police chief Abba Kyari to infamous terror masterminds.

“All major, biggest terrorists, armed robbers and kidnappers have escaped,” a top security source told The Gazette.

Residents in the areas have also confirmed hearing loud noises believed to be explosives and gunfire. 

A spokesman for the Nigerian Prisons Service and the FCT police did not immediately return requests seeking details about the incident late Tuesday.

The attack comes as insecurity inundated President Muhammadu Buhari and his security chiefs. Earlier on Tuesday, the administration confirmed an attack on the president’s convoy in his home Katsina state.